Overview 

The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) is seeking to appoint an external supplier to undertake a sector engagement exercise to scope the publication preferences of key stakeholders conducting routine research and evaluation activity and better understand the implications for obtaining research ethics. The project will run from November 2023 to March 2024.

Scope 

To address these considerations TASO is commissioning an external supplier to conduct a stakeholder engagement exercise to understand:

  • The sector’s publication preferences and plans.
  • The implications of an increase in publications for obtaining research ethics.

The chosen supplier will consult the OfS to unpack their expectations for the future publication of APP evaluations. Including:

  • The type of publications
  • The frequency of publications
  • The volume of publications
  • Where they anticipate HEPs publishing their evaluations

The chosen supplier will conduct a survey with a broad cross-section of stakeholders from a range of HEPs to:

    • Identify the current precedent and practise for securing research ethics for standard APP evaluations.
    • Map the perceived challenges associated with obtaining ethical approval for future APP evaluations (particularly where small providers don’t have an internal Research Ethics Committee).
    • Map the perceived barriers to publishing APP evaluations including, where applicable, concerns about reputational risk and potential consequences.
    • Gather information on HEPs anticipated publication preferences:
      • What they would like to publish.
      • How many evaluations they anticipate publishing in a given year and/or APP cycle, and the possible timing of publications.
      • Where they plan to publish.
      • Gather information on HEP’s amenability for sharing examples of evaluation with TASO and engaging in peer review activities:
        • Would HEPs submit evidence to TASO if we were to conduct regular calls for evidence?
        • Would HEPs welcome opportunities for facilitated peer review – both to review other team’s work and have their work reviewed?
        • Gather HEP’s opinions and insight on what a hub for collating and synthesising evaluation evidence could look like and how it should function.

Based on the findings from the survey data analysis, the chosen supplier will conduct a series of focus groups/interviews, with a portion of the survey respondents, to further unpack key themes, challenges and considerations for publication practice.

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.

Download the full invitation to tender (ITT)

The deadline for applications to take part in this project is 10am on Monday 13 November 2023. If you have any questions you can get in touch with us over email via research@taso.org.uk.

Document accessibility: TASO is committed to making all documents accessible for all audiences. If you have any difficulty accessing the links or documents, or need these resources in another format, please email info@taso.org.uk.