Social Outcomes Conference 2021

Overview

The Social Outcomes Conference (SOC21) is the annual convening of the world’s leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners working to improve social outcomes. As in previous years, the conference will feature discussions on the latest thinking and findings from academic research, alongside insights from the emerging practice across different geographies, disciplines and policy areas.

Hybrid conference – what to expect

In addition to streaming all of our sessions online, we are also offering a number of in-person places to those who wish to attend the conference at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford. After 15 months of restrictions, this will be a great opportunity to finally reconvene, catch up with old colleagues, and get to know new faces.

We have taken great precautionary measures to ensure that this event is covid-free. All surfaces will be regularly cleaned and free hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building. With its automated natural ventilation system, the Blavatnik School of Government building constantly creates a flow of clean air in its seminar rooms and lecture halls. In-person tickets are subject to UK Covid-19 restrictions and are fully refundable. You can find out more about our measures, Covid-19 considerations and travel and accommodation in Oxford here.

We are committed to ensuring that both online and offline audiences are able to enjoy meaningful engagement. As an in-person attendee, you would have the chance to join sessions live in lecture halls and seminar rooms around the building and meet some of the distinguished guests and speakers attending in-person. Whether you choose to join online or in-person, the whole GO Lab team will be ready to welcome you.

How to join online

All sessions will be streamed online. We will soon be publishing the individual Zoom session links and passcodes in the programme on our website. As long as you have registered for SOC21, we will send you the access code to these links and passcodes a few days before the conference.

If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected].

Programme

This year’s conference is built around five key themes:

• Outcomes-based contracting
• Outcomes orientation
• Measuring outcomes and value for money
• Procurement and social value
• Government, business and civil society collaboration in places

These theme are all underpinned by a single core question: how can government combine its multiple roles – sometimes as provider, funder, facilitator, and regulator – to support activity which improves social outcomes?

This year’s keynote speaker: Professor Joseph Stiglitz

We are delighted that Professor Joseph Stiglitz will be delivering the Social Outcomes Conference 2021 keynote speech on Thursday 9 September 1pm BST.

To receive the latest updates and information about the sessions and list of speakers, sign up to our monthly newsletter.

Want to receive the latest news, research and insights from the sector?

Visit the GO Lab website or sign up to our monthly newsletter and weekly policy briefing.

For any questions on the conference, please get in touch at [email protected].

Privacy policy

The Government Outcomes (GO) Lab operates within the University of Oxford. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information (‘personal data’). To understand more about our views and practices regarding your personal data, please find our policy on the GO Lab website.