Introduction to Outcomes Based Budgeting

Budget for results. Measure what matters. Fund what works.

Outcomes Based Budgeting helps public sector agencies move beyond historical spending patterns and activity reporting to a clearer focus on measurable outcomes, public value and value for money. This one-day introductory outcomes based budgeting course gives you a practical foundation in how outcomes based budgeting works and how it can be applied in agency planning, performance management, reporting and budget discussions.

Through expert input, facilitated discussion and applied activities, you will learn how to define programs in a results-based way, distinguish activities, outputs and outcomes, strengthen KPIs and connect performance information to better decision-making. The course is designed for practitioners who need clear, usable tools they can take back to their workplace, with a focus on real programs, real performance challenges and practical improvement.

Course information

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Course content

The following topics will be covered in this introductory outcomes based budgeting course:

Module 1: Applying outcomes based budgeting in the agency context

• The evolution from input and activity-based budgeting to outcomes-focused decision-making
• Key principles of Outcomes Based Budgeting (OBB)
• Linking government priorities, programs, budgets and outcomes
• Understanding accountability, value for money and performance improvement
• Common implementation challenges and success factors

Module 2: Defining the program properly

• What constitutes a program in an OBB environment
• Assessing whether a program is genuinely results-based
• Defining program boundaries and objectives
• Mapping the relationship between resources, activities and intended results
• Identifying common design weaknesses

Module 3: Clarifying outputs and outcomes

• Distinguishing inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes
• Writing clear and measurable outcome statements
• Developing results chains and program logic
• Identifying assumptions and external influences
• Establishing a clear line of sight from delivery to impact

Module 4: Strengthening KPIs

• Characteristics of effective performance indicators
• Selecting meaningful outcome and output measures
• Establishing baselines and targets
• Identifying credible data sources
• Reviewing and improving existing KPI frameworks

Module 5: Making performance information usable

• Using performance information to support decision-making
• Linking KPIs to planning, budgeting and reporting processes
• Developing stronger budget-performance narratives
• Supporting accountability and transparency
• Using evidence to drive continuous improvement

Module 6: Agency clinic and challenge session

• Applying course concepts to a real program or policy area
• Testing program logic, outcomes and KPIs
• Diagnosing performance measurement challenges
• Peer review and facilitated feedback
• Developing practical actions for workplace application

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this outcomes based budgeting course you will be able to:

• explain the purpose and principles of Outcomes Based Budgeting and its role in linking resources, performance and results
• assess whether a program is structured in a results-based way and distinguish between activities, outputs and outcomes
• develop clearer outcome statements and strengthen program logic to support effective planning and decision-making
• design and refine KPIs by identifying appropriate measures, baselines, targets and data sources
• apply performance information to support planning, reporting, budgeting and continuous improvement discussions.

Course prerequisites

This outcomes based budgeting course has no prerequisites and is open to all members of the public.

Intended audience

This introductory outcomes based budgeting course is designed for public sector officers, managers and teams involved in policy, planning, finance, budgeting, performance reporting, program management, evaluation or service delivery. It is particularly suited to practitioners who need to understand how outcomes based budgeting applies to their work and who want practical tools for linking programs, KPIs, evidence and resource allocation.

The course is relevant for central agencies, line agencies, ministries, local government organisations and cross-agency teams seeking to strengthen outcomes-focused planning, budget submissions, performance reporting, accountability and value-for-money decision-making. It is especially useful for participants working with live programs or policies that need clearer outcomes, stronger indicators or a more compelling budget-performance narrative.

About this presenter

Professor Carol Mills is the Director of the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG), Centre for Local Government (CLG) and Co-Director of the Centre for Sports, Business and Society (CSBS). Carol has held the CEO positions of Director General, Communities NSW and the Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation in the New South Wales public sector and was Secretary, Commonwealth Department of Parliamentary Services in Canberra. She has also been Deputy Director General in the NSW Departments of Housing and Ageing, Disability and Home Care, and was the inaugural head of the NSW Office of Community Housing.

Professor Mills has achieved outstanding results in driving major policy, program and organisational reforms in a series of challenging and high-profile roles. She applies a strong focus on improving customer service, risk management, governance and financial performance to achieve lasting business improvement. Her expertise is built on effectively combining strategic and practical approaches to management and change. She has extensive board and committee experience as both a member and chair, including a number of major cultural boards, the NSW Institute of Sport, Western Sydney Parklands Trust, Gymnastics NSW, the City Recital Hall, and the Sydney Western Harbour Business Improvement District. Carol has tertiary qualifications in Economics, Management, Public Policy and Philosophy, and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Australian Evaluation Society.