Developing a whole-provider approach

TASO has partnered with six higher education providers to develop theories of change for their whole-provider approaches to reducing equality gaps in higher education, in collaboration with Professor Liz Thomas, Professor of Higher Education at the University of York.

Following an open call in January 2025, six higher education providers have been selected to work on a TASO project that will 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 are working closely with TASO and Professor Liz Thomas, who are collaborating 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. Our partner providers are currently participating in a series of workshops and meetings to explore the core components of their whole-provider approaches, as well as the short-term outcomes and longer-term impact that taking this approach will lead to. 

Understanding the whole-provider approach

While the OfS specifies the essential features of a whole-provider approach in their access and participation plan guidance, previous research led by Professor Liz Thomas has highlighted the variation in providers’ conceptualisations of the whole-provider approach in their contexts. This project builds on this existing work, and aims to develop a better understanding of how the whole-provider approach is being developed and implemented in practice across different parts of the sector. 

Professor Liz Thomas reflects on how the project will benefit the sector:

“I’m excited to be collaborating with TASO and six partner higher education providers on a really important project that has the potential to significantly advance our understanding and implementation of whole-provider approaches to inclusion and equity. We’re focusing on developing a deeper understanding of their whole-provider approaches, and specifically, we’re working with each institution to develop a bespoke theory of change.

I strongly believe that participating in this project will be immensely beneficial to the six higher education institutions directly involved, and the outputs and learning we generate will be invaluable to the whole higher education sector in England and beyond. The project will provide the sector with concrete examples of how providers can effectively embed inclusion across all aspects of their operations, and it will enhance our conceptualisation of a whole-provider approach.  This will also provide a practical framework for implementation, evaluation, and ultimately, measuring the impact of a whole-provider approach on student experiences, outcomes and equity.“

What’s coming next? 

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

Contact research@taso.org.uk to find out more, and keep an eye on our project page for updates.