NB: This project has two strands and we will be appointing two separate evaluators to work on each strand.

Overview

TASO is seeking to appoint an independent evaluator to undertake a sector engagement exercise to investigate how widely and well reasonable adjustments for disabled students are currently used in higher education (HE).

Scope

TASO wishes to seek more evidence from the sector on how transition support is provided, which reasonable adjustments are most common, how many students are benefiting from them, how they are most effectively delivered, and how far students feel that reasonable adjustments ensure their equal participation and inclusion in HE. These findings will provide a foundation to allow for the development of evidence on the impact of particular adjustments and transition support – evidence that is currently lacking in the UK context.

The overarching aim of this research is to map the kinds of transition support and reasonable adjustments used in the HE sector and build an understanding of the existing evidence HE providers hold the effectiveness of these interventions.

The chosen evaluator must design an appropriate sector engagement plan to answer the questions above and any related questions (to be scoped in discussion with TASO). This should include:

  • A survey of HE providers in England.
  • Exploratory qualitative research, for example semi-structured interviews with representatives from HE providers and students. We are also interested in hearing about suppliers’ suggestions for other inclusive qualitative methodologies that may be appropriate and facilitate participation of disabled staff and students .
  • Any other elements which the supplier thinks may be helpful in answering the research questions.

The project will run between September and December 2023.

How to apply

To find out more about the project and details on how to apply read the full invitation to tender document (ITT) below.
Access the full invitation to tender document (ITT)

The deadline for applications to take part in this project is 5pm on Friday 4 August 2023. If you have any questions you can get in touch with us over email via research@taso.org.uk.

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