ABOUT DASSH UK
The representative body for Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
DASSH brings together Deans and senior leaders from universities and higher education institutions across the UK. It is a place to exchange insight, strengthen practice and champion the arts, social sciences and humanities.
UK-WIDE NETWORK
Member Institutions from across the UK.
PEER SUPPORT
Collaborating for best practice.
OUR BACKGROUND
A trusted space for the people shaping arts, social sciences and humanities.
The Council of University Deans of Arts & Humanities (CUDAH) was founded in 1986 as the British Academy wanted to consult over the future of the arts and humanities in an informed forum.
In 2006, the Standing Council for the Arts and Social Sciences (SCASS) formally merged with CUDAH to form CUDASSH, which by 2009 was known as DASSH-UK.
We are the national forum for Deans and Leaders of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines in Higher Education. The authoritative voice for institutions across the UK.
OUR AIM
Helping senior leaders navigate change and shape what comes next.
Committed to developing and supporting leadership in teaching, learning and research by providing a collaborative forum where senior academic leaders can share knowledge, exchange ideas and discuss the impact of policy.
Develop
To develop and enhance the leadership and management of teaching, learning and research in the arts, social sciences and humanities.
Support
To support academic managers and provide a professional forum for members to exchange information and experience.
Promote
To promote the shared interests of all subject areas of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities in Higher Education in the UK and globally.
Share
To share knowledge and provide a forum for the discussion of government policy as it impacts the academic environment in Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities.
Collaborate
To work with research councils, learned societies and other appropriate bodies to promote the value of research and education in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
Advocate
To advocate for policies which encourage diversity and equal opportunities in teaching, learning, research and management in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
OUR COMMITTEE
Led by members, for members.
“DASSH is an inclusive and welcoming space for sector leaders to share knowledge and support one another.
The future of the sector depends on collaboration between institutions and we feel honoured to be part of it.”
– DASSH Commitee
Sian Rees
Chair
Professor Sian Rees is Deputy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Swansea University, Chair of the Swansea University Culture Board and Chair of DASSH UK. Drawing on an extensive career in public relations, marketing and publishing, her research explores authentic branding in the digital age, alongside crisis management, sports branding and student employability.
Sophia Bokhari
Vice Chair
Dr Sophia Bokhari is Head of Psychological Sciences at the University of East London, where she leads the academic provision across Psychology programmes, alongside curriculum development, research and academic growth. With more than two decades of experience in higher education and a PhD in Education, her work focuses on academic achievement, student success, progression, social mobility and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Ann Luce
Committee Member
Ann is a Professor of Journalism and Health Communication and Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).She leads the School’s strategic direction - driving innovation in teaching, research, and enterprise. Under her leadership, the School is redefining modern business and creative industries education: bold in thinking, cross-disciplinary in design, and shaped by the future, not tradition.
Virginie Grzelczyk
Secretary
Virginie Grzelczyk is Professor of International Relations and Head of Inclusion and Development at Aston University. An international relations scholar specialising in North Korea, sanctions and leadership under constraint, she combines academic research with senior leadership experience across education, internationalisation and organisational change.
Jen Mayer
Committee Member
Dr Jen Mayer is Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences at the University of West London, with extensive experience in academic leadership and higher education. Her academic background is in Psychology, with research interests spanning cognitive and developmental psychology, autism spectrum disorders and atypical sensory processing.
Cate Carroll-Meehan
Committee Member
Professor Cate Carroll is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at Liverpool Hope University, with extensive experience in higher education leadership, teaching and research. Her academic expertise spans early childhood education, educational leadership and management, teacher education, curriculum and pedagogy, and education policy.
OUR MEMBERs
Connecting University Leaders
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Help shape the future of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
Become a member of DASSH and join the conversation – promoting collaboration and advocating for diversity and equal opportunities.