Commissioning Better Outcomes Independent Evaluation - Synthesis Reports 2025

Introduction

This research discusses the advantages and disadvantages of commissioning a service through a social outcome contract (SOC) model.

Findings

The programme showed that social outcomes contracts can deliver strong results and value for money, while helping to grow and shape the wider market. However, delivery challenges and design limitations highlight the need for simpler, more flexible approaches in future.

The research found that:

• over 46,000 service users were engaged, with most planned outcomes achieved

• £43.3m was paid for outcomes, with returns broadly in line with expectations

• stakeholders generally considered contracts good value for money

• performance management, data use, and service adaptability improved

• the programme funded 27 projects and acted as a catalyst for market growth

• challenges included stakeholder tensions, optimism bias, and weak outcome measurement