Hannah Coombs

Working across faculties and professional services, she leads institutional-wide initiatives to modernise curriculum, strengthen assessment practice, and embed inclusive, student-centred approaches to learning and teaching.

Prior to taking up the appointment as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Hannah held a number of senior academic leadership roles at USW, including Associate Dean for Partnerships and Business Development, Head of School, and Head of Operational Policing. She led the development of innovative, partnership-led professional practice provision within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education (FLSE), including the introduction of the University’s first degree apprenticeship in England, significantly strengthening USW’s external engagement, employability offer, and graduate outcomes.

Hannah began her career in policing, where she held senior roles including national leadership responsibility for the implementation of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) in Wales. This experience continues to inform her approach to workforce aligned education and applied learning.

Hannah is an alumna of USW, having completed an LLB (Hons) Law course and Legal Practice Course at the University. She has a strong commitment to inclusive education and student success, with a particular interest in designing high quality, future-focused learning environments which support belonging, progression, and equitable outcomes for all students.