The successful use of outcomes frameworks as part of an outcomes-based approach to service design and continuous improvement has many benefits. This approach puts people’s needs at the centre of design and delivery. It leads to continuous improvement by building evidence about what works and why, and drives innovation to achieve even better outcomes.

This report describes the conceptual role of outcomes frameworks for legal assistance services. It includes a section that clarifies working definitions, and draws together evidence relevant to framework development, shared outcomes and sector-wide frameworks. Five examples are highlighted, along with a list of all reviewed literature.

The purpose of this report is to collate information on how outcomes frameworks are currently used within the legal assistance sector nationally and internationally and, where directly relevant, in other allied human services sectors. Where available, information is included on what works well, and less well, in the practical application of outcomes frameworks. This information may be of value in informing the development of sector-wide outcomes frameworks for legal assistance services in Australia.