SCASS is the most widely representative body speaking for the Arts and Social Sciences in Higher Education. Formed in 1984 by Deans of Art and Social Science Faculties in Universities in response to increasing threats to these disciplines, its reputation is well established and its views are sought and respected by the profession, the public and the press. Membership includes over 50 Subject Associations and Institutions. CNAA was affiliated from early days and the Steering Committee was soon expanded to include co-opted representatives from the public sector. The constitution was changed in 1988 to include a commitment to support and defend the interests of researchers and teachers in Arts and Social Sciences in both sectors of Higher Eduction.

The disappearance of the binary line and the advent of mass higher education brought new challenges and opportunities, as well as continuing threats to academic development and independence. The Education Reform Act of 1988 increased the goverment's powers of central direction, while the establishment in 1992 of three separate Funding Councils for England, Scotland and Wales, like the separation of the Funding for teaching and research, threatened to split the interests of the academic community. SCASS continues to speak with a single voice for the Arts and Social Sciences in the defence of common aims and values.