GO Lab 'Setting and measuring outcomes' guide now available for download

We are delighted to announce the launch of our technical guide to identifying, defining and measuring outcomes for the purposes of outcome based commissioning.

The guide is the fifth instalment in the GO Lab 'How to Guide' series, and it has been developed for local commissioners who are involved in the development of outcome based commissioning approaches, such as social impact bonds.

By definition, setting the right outcomes, and measuring them effectively, is one of the most important aspects of an outcome based contract. The guide provide practical advice on the different types of outcomes and measures available, and the issues that need to be thought about in setting appropriate outcomes. It also provide a checklist of key actions and issues to consider at each stage of the process of developing and implementing an outcome based contract. Included in the guide:

• Understanding outcomes, measures and metrics
• Different types of outcomes
• Individual versus cohort measurement
• Developing an outcomes framework
• Involving providers and investors

This guide was written by Neil Stanworth from ATQ Consultants. We are indebted to him for sharing his very considerable expertise and experience for the wider benefit of the commissioners and providers of outcome based contracts in this guide. 

We have designated this guide and others in the series as ‘beta’ documents and we warmly welcome any comments or corrections. We will regularly review and update our material accordingly. Please email your feedback to golab@bsg.ox.ac.uk.

How to Guide: Setting and measuring outcomes