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About GO Lab

The basics

New to outcomes-based contracting? Here are some jargon-free introductions to the various types of approaches

Outcomes-based contracting

This guide offers an introduction to outcomes-based contracting, including its place among other methods of contracting out public services, the theoretical pros and cons, and the evidence to date.

New to impact bonds? This user-friendly guide will explore what impact bonds are, the evidence to date and how they work in practice in different countries around the world.

Relational contracting

This guide provides an introduction to relational contracting in the public sector, explaining what it is, the potential benefits and challenges, and how to adopt a relational approach.

This guide introduces outcomes funds. It aims to document and describe outcomes funds around the world and identify lessons for future fund design.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Knowledge bank

Explore our datasets, case studies and publications to learn more about the latest research on outcomes-based contracting

We are the International Network for Data on Impact and Government Outcomes (INDIGO). Here you can explore our datasets, read our latest news, join our events and find out more about data sharing in the field of social outcomes.

A collection of in-depth case studies of impact bonds around the world

Resource library

View the latest reports, evaluations and more on outcomes-based contracting

A glossary of key terms and working definitions around impact bonds and outcomes-based contracting

Toolkit

Interested in designing and managing outcomes-based projects? We have prepared some tools and guidance to help

Impact bond lifecycle

Developed in consultation with a wide range of practitioners to support projects being established under the UK Government’s Life Chances Fund.

Technical guidance

We have a range of guidance to support you develop impact bonds, from setting and measuring outcomes, to awarding the contract and pricing outcomes.

GO Lab-CIPFA Value for Money (VfM) Toolkit

We've partnered with Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy(CIPFA) to develop a toolkit for public managers planning to assess VfM of outcomes-based contracting programmes, or any public programme with an outcome-focus.

Impact Wayfinder [Prototype]

Are you thinking of running an impact evaluation for your project? Check out our new Impact Wayfinder! We'll help you find the right evaluation for you according to the focus of your organisation and the scale of your project.

Mission-led Growth Dashboard

This innovative dashboard benchmarks performance data for each council in England with its Nearest Neighbour, the median of all local authorities in England and the average of the selected authority’s ten Nearest Neighbours.

Community

Connect with others through our global directory, read the latest blogs, join our events and more.

Oxford Government Outcomes Blog

Read the latest opinion and insights from the GO Lab network

Find out the latest news from the GO Lab and across the sector

Join our events, from webinars, regional events to international conferences

Peer Learning Groups

At the GO Lab, we host a selection of peer learning groups that aim to support learning and knowledge on outcome-based approaches. Read more on our different groups and upcoming sessions here.

Home Community News

News

Want to keep up-to-date on the latest news and events in the field?

Subscribe to our newsletters

GO Lab and ShikshaLokam join forces to explore how governments can support grassroots movements for education reform

The GO Lab is pleased to announce a new research partnership with ShikshaLokam to investigate how governments can meaningfully support grassroots social movements driving change in public education systems.

Last updated 12 May 2025, 2:19 p.m.

Dr Harry Bregazzi awarded Social Science Engagement Fellowship to work with the FCDO

We are delighted to announce that Dr Harry Bregazzi has been awarded a prestigious Social Science Engagement Fellowship, a University of Oxford initiative aimed at deepening partnerships beyond academia.

Last updated 20 Feb 2025, 1:46 p.m.

New Research Shows How Mental Health Employment Support Works in Practice

GO Lab and DCMS evaluated five projects supporting people with mental health challenges into employment, revealing key insights about effective partnership approaches and service delivery.

Last updated 4 Nov 2024, 8 a.m.

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179 results

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2021 (38)

2020 (30)

2019 (15)

2018 (19)

2017 (6)

2016 (5)
Topic

Topic
Impact bonds (68)

Outcomes-based approaches (67)

Data (58)

Cross-sector partnerships and collaboration (23)

Procurement and social value (15)

Measurement (12)

Citizen engagement (9)

Responsible business (8)

Social impact investing (7)

Place-based approaches (6)

Covid-19 (5)
Type

Type
INDIGO (48)

Monthly policy briefing (19)

Social Outcomes Conference (17)

Fellows of Practice (5)

Peer learning (2)

Global Systematic Review (2)

Interview (1)
Region

Region
UK (2)

Africa (1)

Reset

September 2020 policy briefing

Last updated 7 Oct 2020, 9:57 a.m.

August 2020 policy briefing

Last updated 9 Sep 2020, 10:50 a.m.

Journal Special Issue - Social Outcomes Conference 2020

Last updated 7 Sep 2020, 2:13 p.m.

Highlights from Day 4 of SOC20

Last updated 7 Sep 2020, 2:11 p.m.

Highlights from Day 3 of SOC20

Last updated 4 Sep 2020, 12:10 p.m.

Highlights from Day 2 of SOC20

Last updated 3 Sep 2020, 11:11 a.m.

Highlights from Day 1 of SOC20

Last updated 2 Sep 2020, 1:13 p.m.

August 2020 Impact Bond Landscape

The latest on impact bonds from across the world, working in different policy areas and key stats from sector.

Last updated 5 Aug 2020, 1:35 p.m.

July 2020 policy briefing

Last updated 3 Aug 2020, 1:40 p.m.

July 2020 Impact Bond Landscape

Last updated 8 Jul 2020, 10:01 a.m.

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The basics

Outcomes-based contracting
Impact bonds
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Knowledge bank

INDIGO
Case studies
Resource library
Glossary

Toolkit

Impact bond lifecycle
Technical guidance
GO Lab-CIPFA Value for Money (VfM) Toolkit

Community

Oxford Government Outcomes Blog
News
Events
Peer Learning Groups

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Government Outcomes Lab: The first five years
Outcomes-based contracting
Procurement and social value
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