Meet Cardiff University’s new social sciences Head of School

Professor Luke Sloan has been appointed the new Head of School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University.

Professor Sloan, an influential published author in social sciences, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.

Prior to his appointment, Professor Sloan was Deputy Head of School, responsible for managing academic workload, staff wellbeing and development, academic mentoring, induction, and early career support.

With over 13 years of academic publications and extensive leadership experience, Professor Sloan possesses the theoretical and practical skills to lead the School for years to come.

What inspired you to take on the role of Head of School, and what excites you most about this opportunity?

I thought my previous Senior Management Team experience gave me a good insight into the Head of School role, but it wasn’t until I started on my secondment as Academic Partner for Student Voice that I really started to understand the breadth of the role.

In Senior Education Team meetings I saw how important Heads of School were in the delivery of an excellent student experience.

I learnt more about Senate, Senior Staff Meetings, and most importantly I saw very clearly that Head of School weren’t just administrators and managers. I could see that they had a critical role in managing up, in saying truth to power, and in influencing the University at the highest level. Head of School act as bridges and translators, and they have significant autonomy, even now, to make changes that they believe will help their School and the University succeed. Once I understood the influential role that they have and when I realised how they are powerful agents for change, that was when I was inspired to go for the role and it’s what excites me most.

Can you share a bit about your background and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this position?

I’ve had several management and leadership roles over the last several years. I was Director of Recruitment and Admissions and joined Senior Management Team part way through that role. Then I move on to Director of Learning and Teaching. I then took a secondment working under the Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience as Academic Partner for Student Voice – an institution wide portfolio. When that role ended, I returned to the School of Social Sciences as Deputy Head of School.

What’s most important to you in your role as Head of School?

That staff and students in the School thrive, and that as a community we are greater than the sum of our parts.

Find out more about Professor Sloan and the School of Social Sciences.