David Bass

David is responsible for providing organisational leadership in Advance HE’s work on EDI, both internally and externally.

He brings a wealth of experience working with universities and the tertiary sector, in equality and diversity, governance, access, as well as strategic planning and management. David has been central to ensuring EDI is strongly embedded in Advance HE’s new strategy and in the development of our CEO’s Race Action Group.

Prior to his current role, David was an Assistant Director in Advance HE’s Membership directorate, responsible for the strategic approach, engagement and development of our work in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. In addition to developing and contextualising our approach to membership, he helped lead strategic, cross-sector race equality projects in Scotland and Wales, working with sector leaders such as Khadija Mohammed to support institutional commitment and action on anti-racism.

David joined the Equality Challenge Unit in 2013, initially as a Senior Policy Adviser before moving into the role of Scotland Programme Manager. He managed the ‘Diversity in Governance’ project in Scotland, supporting the sector to improve the gender diversity of governing bodies and enhance effective oversight of equality and diversity in colleges and HEIs, from 2015-2018.

David previously worked in adult education and for a charity supporting disabled people and carers in education. He holds an MA in Geography from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Public Policy and Management from Birkbeck, University of London.