New Project: Evidence Synthesis to Support Toolkit Development in Higher Education

ImpactEd Evaluation has been commissioned by TASO to review best practice in evidence synthesis and online evidence toolkits. The TASO evidence toolkits are among the most accessed resources in the higher education sector. When they work well, they translate complex bodies of research into clear, actionable guidance that supports practitioners and experts in making informed decisions.

Project Overview

The project is led by Dr Lauren Bellaera, Director of Research at ImpactEd Evaluation. It will examine how organisations across the What Works Network approach the challenge of synthesising research and translating it into online evidence toolkits.

The review will examine four key areas:

• Approaches to synthesising and translating research into accessible online toolkits

• How standards of evidence are applied across the What Works Network

• Best practice for ensuring practitioner and expert input into toolkit pages

• How AI is currently being used in evidence synthesis

The findings will feed directly into the development of TASO's evidence toolkit for understanding what works in widening participation and student outcomes.

This project offers an opportunity not only to enhance TASO's toolkit, but to contribute to a broader understanding of what good evidence synthesis looks like across the What Works Network.

"Evidence toolkits play a crucial role in supporting higher education providers to understand what works in widening participation and student success. ImpactEd Evaluation is delighted to be supporting TASO with the development of their evidence toolkits by reviewing best practice across the What Works Network and drawing on the latest developments in research and policy. The project will not only deepen the understanding of best practice across the network but also help ensure that TASO is aligned with the most innovative and robust approaches in the field of evidence synthesis."

Dr Lauren Bellaera, Director of Research, ImpactEd Evaluation

"The TASO evidence toolkit pages are consistently some of our most accessed online resources and it is important that they include relevant and robust evidence. Lauren's work will inform their development so they remain relevant to the sector and help practitioners and evaluators use the latest evidence to inform practice."

Dr Rob Summers, Head of Evaluation, TASO

About ImpactEd Evaluation

ImpactEd Evaluation is part of the ImpactEd Group, working with schools, colleges, universities, and other education organisations to build the evidence base for what works. We specialise in high-quality evaluation, research synthesis, and evidence translation — helping organisations understand impact and improve outcomes for the young people and students they serve.

About TASO

TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes), is a What Works Centre focused on improving equality of opportunity in higher education. TASO's evidence toolkit is designed to help the sector determine the efficacy and strength of evidence for different activities that support widening participation and student outcomes.

You can read more about this project on the TASO website.

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