Project | Developing theories of change for whole-provider approaches

Following an open call in January 2025, six higher education providers were selected to work on a TASO project to develop theories of change for their whole-provider approach to reducing equality gaps in higher education. According to guidance from the Office for Students (OfS), taking a whole-provider approach aims to improve ‘alignment and consistency across the organisation to create an approach from which all students benefit, irrespective of where they are located within the provider’ (OfS, 2023).

The following providers worked closely with TASO and Professor Liz Thomas, who collaborated to deliver the project:

• Buckinghamshire New University 
• University of Bradford 
• Lancaster University 
• Sheffield Hallam University 
• Teesside University
• University of York

The project stems from an increased focus in the sector on taking a whole-provider approach to addressing risks to equality of opportunity, as set out in providers’ access and participation plans.

TASO aims to publish the theories of change as case studies for the sector to use alongside a project report in summer 2025.