Guidance and resources
Small providers often operate in distinct contexts and face unique challenges compared to larger providers. Following a TASO consultation with small providers in 2026, we identified two key barriers:
- significant resourcing limitations
- methodological difficulties with small cohort sizes.
Here, we have curated TASO resources and tools to help address these challenges and support the evaluation work of small providers, with more to come in the future.
What is a small provider?
Defining a ‘small provider’ is complex, as there is no consistent definition across the sector. Approaches vary significantly: while definitions based on student numbers are the most common, classification cut-offs differ widely.
To support this project, we have developed a broad, three-part definition:
- Providers with fewer than 3,000 full-time equivalent students
- Further education colleges providing higher education courses
- Providers that are an educational arm of a business organisation.
While not exhaustive, this definition captures a group of providers who share certain traits but vary widely in their operations, priorities and contexts – particularly regarding widening participation and student support.
Resources and tools
Click on the area you are interested in for further support, information and guidance.
How do I get started with an evaluation?
Use our Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to get started on your evaluation journey. From there, you can use our theory of change resources to map out your intervention’s intended impact and establish a clear structure for assessing success.
What outcome measures should I use?
To identify the most appropriate outcome measures and metrics for your evaluation, use the Mapping Outcomes and Activities Tool (MOAT). This will allow you to align your activities with verifiable outcomes and explore validated survey instruments like the Access and Success Questionnaire (ASQ) to measure student impact effectively.
Where can I find examples of other evaluations?
You can see how other small higher education providers have evaluated their widening participation initiatives by accessing our evidence toolkits and our previous evaluation projects.
What do I need to know when commissioning an evaluation?
When commissioning an evaluation with external evaluators, it is important to have the relevant project management skills and planning tools. Below are some recommended project management resources and guidelines to effectively manage collaborations and ensure commissioned evaluations run smoothly and deliver the insights you need.
How can I manage my data systems better?
To improve your data collection, storage, and analysis processes, explore our ‘Data insights guide’ and related resources to help build secure, efficient, and compliant data systems that support robust evaluation and reporting.
What evaluation methodologies are right for my project?
To find the method that best fits your intervention, resources and context, access our guidance on theory-based evaluation, implementation and process evaluation, and pre/post designs.
How do I make my evaluation more rigorous?
To strengthen the validity and reliability of your evaluation, see our resources on research ethics, survey design and best practices for qualitative data collection and thematic analysis.
Further resources
Further resources can be found below.