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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.

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 Knowledge bank Resource library

Resource library

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269 results

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Evaluation report (63)

Video (46)

Report (45)

Practical guide (32)

Research paper (12)

Case Study (9)

Policy brief (4)

LCF project-led evaluation (4)

Government publication (3)

Template (3)

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White paper (1)

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Health & wellbeing (23)

Child and family welfare (19)

Employment and training (11)

Procurement (8)

Poverty reduction (6)

Homelessness (6)

Education and early years (6)

Criminal justice (5)

Agriculture and environment (2)
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United Kingdom (93)

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Worldwide (4)

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2021 (63)

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2019 (24)

2018 (16)

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2015 (12)

2014 (12)

2013 (4)

2012 (1)

2011 (3)

Reset

Conference session | 9 Sep 2021

| SOC21 | Transforming public procurement? Issues of culture, outcomes, transparency, and learning in the UK Government's post-Brexit public procurement law reform proposals

Watch this Social Outcomes Conference session chaired by Michael Bowsher QC on public procurement law reform initiatives in the UK and around the world in relation to public services designed to tackle social challenges.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Conference session | 9 Sep 2021

| SOC21 | Keynote address by Professor Joseph Stiglitz and panel discussion: Measuring what counts in order to make markets work for people

For the Social Outcomes Conference we were joined by our keynote speaker Professor Joseph Stiglitz and hundreds of people from across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas to discuss how to measure what counts.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Conference session | 9 Sep 2021

| SOC21 | International Public Management Journal special issue symposium

Watch the recording of our International Public Management Journal special issue symposium, which took place on the second day of the Social Outcomes Conference 2021.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Conference session | 9 Sep 2021

| SOC21 | Together or apart: how should non-state work with the state to improve social outcomes?

On Day 1 of last year's Social Outcomes Conference, we took a deep dive into the potential issues and opportunities that come with state and non-state actors working together.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

New to outcomes-based contracting and social impact bonds? Discover the basics about these innovative approaches to the provision of public services.

Back to basics

Read More

Conference session | 9 Sep 2021

| SOC21 | INDIGO Hack and Learn Show and Tell

Watch the recording of SOC21's INDIGO Hack and Learn Show and Tell, where the hack teams came together to present the data visualisations and findings produced over their 2-week hackathon event.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Evaluation report | 1 Sep 2021

Cameroon Kangaroo Mother Care Development Impact Bond Report

As the Cameroon KMC DIB, which sought to reduce infant mortality, came to a close in September 2021, this evaluation report provides an overview of what the DIB achieved, key lessons learnt and reflections on how to scale and sustain the impact of a DIB.

Organisations: Social Finance, Grand Challenges Canada, World Bank Group + more

Resource | 1 Sep 2021

Government Outcomes Lab: The first five years

To celebrate the Government Outcomes Lab 5th anniversary, we published this report, which summarises our journey, challenges and triumphs, and looks at our work to help foster effective cross-sector partnerships with government.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Evaluation report | 29 Jul 2021

Way to Wellness Social Impact Bond - second in-depth review

This report is the second in-depth review on Ways to Wellness Social Impact Bond (SIB). Building on learnings from the first in-depth review report, the focus is on stakeholder experiences and learning from the SIB delivery post- launch.

Organisations: Ecorys, ATQ Consultants

Explore our in-depth collection of case studies on impact bonds and other outcomes-based approaches around the world.

Case studies

Explore

Report | 20 Jul 2021

INDIGO Impact Bond Insights July 2021

The INDIGO Impact Bond Dataset is the most comprehensive publicly available dataset on impact bond projects. Our summer 2021 report provides headline insights and analysis based on the dataset, offering an accessible overview of the global landscape.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Resource | 16 Jul 2021

Renegotiations and Renewals of Public Contracts

This paper examines the impact of renegotiations on contract renewals, arguing that there exists an optimal level of renegotiations that positively affects the probability of renewing a contract with the same partner.

Case Study | 16 Jul 2021

Case study: Children’s Welfare Social Impact Bond, Finland

This case study takes a close look at the Children’s Welfare Social Impact Bond (SIB) in Finland, which aims to improve the wellbeing of children, young people and families in five municipalities in the country.

Organisations: The Government Outcomes Lab, European Investment Bank

Practical guide | 13 Jul 2021

Setting Up For Success: Best Practices for the Procurement and Contracting of Results-Based Financing Programs

This report highlights some of the main challenges when contracting for results-based financing, and suggests best practices for lawyers and procurement officials.

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

Better data for better social outcomes

Explore

Case Study | 16 Jun 2021

Case study: Occupational Health Social Outcomes Contract, Sweden

This case study takes a close look at the Occupational Health Social Outcomes Contract (SOC). The project aims to reduce short-term sick leave and improve health outcomes for employees of two Swedish local authorities.

Organisations: The Government Outcomes Lab, European Investment Bank

Webinar | 14 Jun 2021

| Engaging with Evidence | Resilience in outcomes-based partnerships and key considerations for Covid-19 recovery

For the sixth session of our Engaging with Evidence series, we brought together academic and practitioner perspectives to reflect on the role of outcomes-based financing and impact bonds in building resilient services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Practical guide | 26 May 2021

Buying Social - a guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement

Socially responsible public procurement (SRPP) is about achieving positive social outcomes in public procurement. This report seeks to raise public buyers’ awareness of the potential benefits of SRPP and opportunities offered by the EU legal framework.

Organisation: European Commission

Report | 26 May 2021

Review of the Sticking Together Project - Final Report, Prepared for the NSW Department of Education May 2021

This report is the Final Review of the Sticking Together Project (STP) for the NSW Government

Organisation: Urbis

We publish articles on a range of topics related to improving social outcomes. Give them a read and if you'd like to write about something relevant to our work, get in touch!

Read our Oxford Government Outcomes Blog

Read more

Webinar | 20 May 2021

| Engaging with Evidence | Insights from the development of social outcomes contracts in Europe

For this Engaging with Evidence session, we took stock of the state of play of social outcomes contracts in Europe and discussed with policymakers and other leading experts how and when this instrument can best be used to help address social issues.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Resource | 19 May 2021

Social outcomes contracting in Europe

The introductory guide to social outcomes contracting in the EU provides practical advice for policymakers and practitioners interested in the adoption of outcomes-based approaches, and examples from emergent practice across Europe.

Organisations: European Investment Bank, The Government Outcomes Lab

Webinar | 19 May 2021

| Engaging with Evidence | Understanding outcomes funds around the world

For the fourth session of our Engagement with Evidence series, we hosted an online session on the global landscape of outcomes funds.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

Evaluation report | 12 May 2021

The use of social impact bonds in children’s social care: A comparative analysis of project justifications and design considerations in the Life Chances Fund

This Government Outcomes Lab publication summarises the key findings of a report into seven children’s social care projects commissioned through social impact bonds (SIBs), with top-up outcomes funding provided by DCMS.

Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)

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The basics

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

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Toolkit

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

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