Day 1 of SOC24 brought together thought leaders from across the globe to explore disrupting ideas in accountability, transparency, and trust in cross-sector partnerships. Here's a recap of the sessions and key takeaways from the day.
SOC24 started with a keynote address by Professor Tina Nabatchi from Syracuse University, who examined accountability, transparency, and trust in cross-sector partnerships through her extensive research.
Our day continued with three deep dive sessions on strengthening partnerships in outcomes-based financing for education, climate and environmental impact, and health. In the afternoon, we explored outcomes-based contracting, inclusion in service provision, and innovative approaches in public procurement.
We concluded with a session on restoring public sector trust through outcome-based partnerships and launched our new report, “The Evolution of Social Outcomes Partnerships in the UK."
We were joined by our keynote speaker, Professor Tina Nabatchi from Syracuse University, and hundreds of participants from Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. Prof Nabatchi explored the conference theme of accountability, transparency, and trust in cross-sector partnerships, distinguishing between “clock problems”—regular and solvable—and “cloud problems”—complex and unpredictable issues that require collaborative, iterative, adaptable approaches and “action from all angles”.
"I believe we all have a responsibility to try to make things better – to build the mosaic of solutions needed to leave our world more beautiful, more graceful, and more kind than it was left to us” – Professor Tina Nabatchi
Following the keynote, a panel discussion with experts from academia and practice delved into these themes. Mario Calderini encouraged viewing all problems as cloud problems, Russell Jones highlighted the importance of time and relationship-building, Dr Eleanor Carter invited examples of relational practices, and Chih Hoong Sin reminded everyone that addressing cloud problems is a collective effort.
After the keynote, we delved into three focus areas. The first session centred on strengthening partnerships for collaborative learning in outcomes-based financing for education. Participants discussed the need for intentional and well-resourced learning initiatives, highlighted the challenges of maintaining communities of practice, the importance of involving education researchers, and the necessity for increased funding to support research. Jacqui O’Hanlon from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Outcomes Framework reminded us that “any outcomes framework needs to be relevant to the teacher.”
In the second deep dive, we explored partnerships across multiple scales—both ‘big’ and ‘small’—for climate and environmental impact. The discussion centred on leveraging innovative financing and incentives, the role of private and civil society actors, and the need for stakeholder engagement at all levels. Dr Patsy Kraeger from Chatham University reminded us that “this is deeper than the science; this is about community adoption.”
In the third session, chaired by Emily Hulse, panelists examined the benefits and challenges of outcomes-based financing for health. They highlighted advantages such as risk transfer and alignment of actors, while also addressing concerns about integrating these models into existing healthcare systems, measuring meaningful outcomes, and providers' perceptions of value-based models. Ruben Koekoek from Social Finance NL encouraged us to consider: “A successful intervention does not mean a successful impact bond. We need to ask, does it work better than when we contracted in a traditional way?”
After lunch, we once again split into three parallel sessions. The first session explored innovative ways of working with outcomes-based contracts and impact investing. The discussion focused on scaling outcome-based contracting and impact investing through various approaches such as: leveraging marketplaces for trading outcomes, using microfinance to sustain impact bonds, and addressing challenges in pricing and impact measurement. Dr Serena Guarnaschelli from KOIS reminded us that, “it is not about standardising the price, but standardising the method”.
The second session delved into the challenges of delivering effective services for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Presentations covered outcomes-based contracting for refugees in England, advancing women’s economic well-being, and the need for culturally sensitive approaches in poverty alleviation in Kenya. Key recommendations included forging strong partnerships, incorporating local insights, and ensuring sustainability by prioritising beneficiaries. As Nnamdi Okolo from the University of Sheffield highlighted, “sustainability needs to be built from the voice of the people.”
The third session explored the role of public procurement professionals in relational public contracting, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Discussions highlighted the need for relational approaches in procurement, the challenges of integrating social value into processes, and managing complex relationships. The role of discretion in contract renegotiation was also emphasised. Professor Carolyn Heinrich from Vanderbilt University warned, “Governments that adhere to strict public procurement rules may discourage discretion and miss out on benefits that could enhance contract efficiencies.”
This discussion brought together policymakers, practitioners, and academics from around the globe to explore how governments can restore faith in the public sector and the lessons we can learn from outcomes-based contracting to enhance public sector capabilities, collaboration, and culture.
Chaired by GO Lab’s Dr Eleanor Carter, the session focused on restoring trust in government through adaptation, transparency, and relationality in public services.
Andrew Greenway from Public Digital emphasised that “smart” policies must align with real-world delivery challenges, noting, “you can’t clever your way through complexity.”
Dr Joe Abah of DAI Global shared insights from Nigeria’s SFTAS programme, highlighting that low public awareness, lack of civil society involvement, and unrestricted funding hindered trust-building.
Dr Mekhala Krishnamurthy from Ashoka University discussed the complexities of trusting the state, urging us to consider what it means to be human in the relationship between government and individuals.
Alison Jeffrey from DCMS pointed out structural barriers to innovation in government but stressed the importance of achieving public value. She noted, “Whilst social outcomes partnerships teach us a lot, we still have a while to go until we have that triangle of adaptability, transparency, and relationality right.”
The session concluded that greater adaptability, transparency, and deeper engagement with civil society are crucial for improving public trust and effectiveness.
We wrapped up the day with the exciting launch of our latest report, *“The Evolution of Social Outcomes Partnerships in the UK”*. Edited by Andreea Anastasiu, Eleanor Carter, and Mara Airoldi, this comprehensive anthology features insights from 26 experts spanning academia, policy, and practice.
Since the world’s first social impact bond was introduced at Peterborough prison in 2010, this innovative partnership model has evolved to fund a diverse range of social programmes across health, employment, education, and social care. Our new report provides an accessible guide to the evidence and experiences from the UK’s social outcomes partnerships over the past fifteen years.
The launch event featured thought-provoking contributions from Professor Ngaire Woods (Dean, Blavatnik School of Government), Andreea Anastasiu (Executive Director, GO Lab), Nick Hurd (Global Ambassador, GSG Impact), and James Magowan (Head of VCSE Public Service Partnerships Team, UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport). The highlight was a heartfelt speech from Michael Peoples of the Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership, who shared his inspiring journey from a service user to a mentor supporting others through similar struggles.
Find the full report here.