Organisation: The Government Outcomes Lab
Outcomes contracts are designed around measurable impact. This session asked about ‘measurable impact for whom?’, and explored the difficulties of providing beneficial services for vulnerable and marginalised people. From programmes for disabled children, to refugees, to survivors of domestic abuse, we critically reflected on initiatives to include and support vulnerable communities within outcomes contracts. Key themes include: incentives to enhance inclusion; trust and sensitivity between providers and service users; developing community-centric definitions of outcomes and impact.
This was an in-depth discussion on the difficulties of providing beneficial services for vulnerable and marginalised people. Presentations focused on using outcomes-based contracting to support refugees in England, advancing women’s economic well-being, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches and beneficiary autonomy in poverty alleviation efforts in Kenya. Key recommendations included building strong partnerships, integrating local experiences, and ensuring sustainably by centering beneficiaries. Nnamdi Okolo from the University of Sheffield stated that “sustainability needs to be built from the voice of the people”.