Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education

The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes (TASO) is an organisation that undertakes and uses research and evaluation to determine what works in eliminating equality gaps in higher education. 

There is limited systematic evaluation of access and participation activities to learn what is and isn't working and where improvements must be made. In particular there is a lack of Type 3 evidence on causality (using the OfS’s standards of evidence).

Therefore, to address this issue and the evidence gap in the sector, the OfS is providing funds of £4.5 million over four years to TASO.

TASO was established in 2019 by a consortium from King’s College London, Nottingham Trent University, and the Behavioural Insights Team. It is currently funded by the OfS, is an affiliate 'What Works' centre and is part of the government's What Works movement.

While TASO focuses on the production and dissemination of Type 3 evidence, TASO will and has considered other types of evidence and has undertaken research and evaluation using various methods, where appropriate.