New to outcomes-based contracting? Here are some jargon-free introductions to the various types of approaches
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.
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.
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
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
Interested in designing and managing outcomes-based projects? We have prepared some tools and guidance to help
Developed in consultation with a wide range of practitioners to support projects being established under the UK Government’s Life Chances Fund.
We have a range of guidance to support you develop impact bonds, from setting and measuring outcomes, to awarding the contract and pricing outcomes.
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.
Connect with others through our global directory, read the latest blogs, join our events and more.
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
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.
Recently named as European Young Leader: 40 under 40, Government Outcomes Lab Research Director Dr Eleanor Carter shares about this award, her experience of leadership, and being a woman in academia.
Last updated 7 Mar 2023, 10:15 a.m.
Check out March's global Impact Bond Dataset snapshot. We are delighted to share our newer and more user-friendly snapshot design, which makes accessing those key data updates all the easier.
Last updated 3 Mar 2023, 4 p.m.
We're delighted to invite the submission of research abstracts proposals and practice-focused presentations for this year's Social Outcomes Conference 2023. Click here to find out more.
Last updated 11 Jan 2023, 2 p.m.
Check out this month's global Impact Bond Dataset snapshot. We are delighted to share our newer and more user-friendly snapshot design, which makes accessing those key data updates all the easier.
Last updated 10 Nov 2021, 9 a.m.
This month’s policy briefing includes perspectives on levelling up and local public service collaborations, reflections on the discussions at SOC21, and a range of insights on impact bonds and outcomes funds.
Last updated 8 Nov 2021, 5:01 p.m.
Last updated 13 Oct 2021, 9 a.m.
This month’s policy briefing examines the past, present and future of social impact initiatives, considers the role of measurement in these endeavours, and reflects on a busy month for the GO Lab that included our five-year anniversary and SOC21.
Last updated 11 Oct 2021, 2:10 p.m.
Thank you to everyone who joined this year's Social Outcomes Conference. We were blown away by the excellent quality of discussions both online and in-person. Here's an overview of all the sessions for Day 2 of SOC21.
Last updated 10 Sep 2021, 7:37 p.m.
Here's an overview of all the sessions and the recordings for Day 1 of the hybrid Social Outcomes Conference 2021. We're delighted to have hosted our conference both online and in-person this year.
Last updated 9 Sep 2021, 5:34 p.m.
To celebrate our 5th anniversary, the Government Outcomes Lab are delighted to launch “Government Outcomes Lab: The first five years”. You can read the full report here.
Last updated 8 Sep 2021, 2:09 p.m.
Last updated 1 Sep 2021, noon
This month’s policy briefing includes efforts to assess the value of outcomes-based contracts, the need to include a more diverse set of considerations in the policymaking process, and the latest INDIGO news.
Last updated 31 Aug 2021, 3:10 p.m.
This month’s policy briefing examines how voices often left out of the policy debate might be heard, shares some of the latest evidence on impact bonds, and explores some of the challenges of innovative social programmes.
Last updated 11 Aug 2021, 10:36 a.m.