TASO has Theme Working Groups for each research theme we adopt. The groups offer advice and recommendations relating to their relevant research areas and consist of a mix of practitioners, evaluators, researchers and administrators.

The groups act as external advisory bodies for TASO and provide guidance on decisions affecting our research programmes. This will include responsibility for reviewing the current evidence base on a given research theme, reviewing applications into TASO commissioning rounds, making recommendations for funding awards and monitoring funded projects.

We currently have four Theme Working Groups – the themes are Effectiveness of Widening Participation Outreach, Gaps in the Student Experience, Employment and Employability, and Mental Health and Disability.

Our members are listed below.

Theme Working Group 1 Members: Effectiveness of Widening Participation Outreach

  • Mike Kerrigan, Strategic Data and Intelligence Manager, Nottingham Trent University
  • Alice Dee, Impact Manager, The Access Project
  • Baljinder Rana, Manager, Aimhigher West Midlands
  • Professor Colin McCaig, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Sheffield Hallam University
  • Professor John Butcher, Associate Director Curriculum and Access, The Open University
  • Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement, Vice Chancellor’s Office
  • Stuart Bottomley, Evaluation and Evidence Manager, University of York

Theme Working Group 2 Members: Gaps in the Student Experience

  • Emma Pollard, Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Employment Studies
  • Joanna MacDonnell, Director of Education and Students, University of Brighton
  • Lesley Black, Director of Student Support and Success, University of Winchester
  • Nasser Latif, Head of Student Retention and Achievement, University of Central Lancashire
  • Sarah Jane Crowson, Scholarship and Enterprise Development Manager, Hereford College of Arts
  • Dr Duna Sabri, Associate Director Interdisciplinary Education, King’s College London
  • Amandip Bisel, Academic Skills and Student Success Lead, University of Hertfordshire
  • Jack Mollart-Solity, Head of What Works, King’s College London

Theme Working Group 3 Members: Employment and Employability

  • Laura Ingham, Career Development and Graduate Outcomes Manager, Kingston University London
  • Dr Morag Duffin, Head of Access and Participation, The University of Law
  • Dr Doug Cole, Deputy Director of Employability, Nottingham Trent University
  • Andrea Barry, Senior Analyst, Youth Futures Foundation
  • Dr Iwi Ugiagbe-Green, Associate Professor and Head of Year, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Chris Percy, Visiting Research Fellow, University of Derby and Consultant, CSP Resources

Theme Working Group 4 Members: Mental Health and Disability

  • Deborah Johnston, Pro Vice Chancellor (Education), London South Bank University
  • Dr Gary McGladdery, Disability Services Manager, Nottingham Trent University
  • Jonathan Dempsey, Assistant Registrar, Association of University Administrators
  • Asta Medisauskaite, Senior Research Fellow, UCL Medical School
  • Nkasi Stoll, ESRC funded PhD student and Co-Founder of Black Students Talk, King’s College London
  • Dr Munirah Bangee, Senior Research Assistant, University of Central Lancashire