Social Outcomes Conference 2026 - Save the date

Since 2018, we have convened a growing global community dedicated to improving social outcomes through cross-sector partnerships, offering a space for shared learning and meaningful engagement with the emerging evidence. The early editions of the conference had a particular emphasis on innovative, outcomes-oriented forms of cross-sector partnerships such as social impact bonds (increasingly referred to as social outcomes partnerships or social outcomes contracts). This has since served as a springboard for exploration of wider questions:

• How can we build effective cross-sector partnerships that drive impact?
• What does it mean to embed meaningful outcomes at the heart of public services?
• How can data and evidence be used to inform smarter, outcomes-focused decision-making?
• What lessons can be applied across sectors to improve policy design and delivery?

Though the topics have expanded, the conference remains committed to bridging academia, policy, and practice for better social outcomes, emphasising inclusive evidence-building and open knowledge-sharing. We encourage participants to embrace this interdisciplinary exchange, recognising that learning from those outside one’s immediate field is a valuable opportunity. We are committed to rigorous research and evidence-driven insights, ensuring that academic advancements inform best practices in policy and implementation—and that, in turn, real-world practice shapes the research agenda.

Attendees can expect a dynamic environment that fosters cross-sector dialogue, deepens understanding, and advances the field of outcomes-focused work. As in previous years, the conference will feature discussions on the latest thinking and findings from academic research alongside insights from emerging practice across different geographies, disciplines and policy areas.

For the Social Outcomes Conference we have four guiding principles which underpins all of our content

1. Fresh perspectives & innovation: We are keen to hear about innovations, examples of building on the traditional foundations to create something fresh, and experiments or case studies that have yet to be studied in detail. We wish to hear from alternative voices and perspectives – that may disrupt assumptions and bring fresh views. We continue to seek insights from a wider range of voices: from different practice backgrounds, distinct leadership voices, and different national, regional, social, academic, and professional contexts.
2. Evidence-based: We are committed to academic excellence in all our work. For SOC25 this means an expectation for all insights and conference applications to be grounded in robust evidence.
3. Diversity: We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a conference where the rich intersection of different voices and backgrounds are prioritised. We encourage applications from individuals and organisations representing a range of backgrounds spanning ethnic, cultural, geographical, and income differences.
4. Pragmatic & constructive: We encourage all contributions to bring critical, thoughtful perspectives while balancing this with being constructive – making a positive contribution. We believe in bringing together academia and policy practice – making sure both are helping address and inform the other.