CHEAD is the representative body for the art and design higher education (HE A&D) sector. It provides a forum for debate and exchange of information and ideas for senior managers and seeks to inform, influence, and initiate policy in higher education in art and design at national and other levels.

As such CHEAD works closely with and is formally consulted by government, by quality assurance and funding bodies for higher education in the UK on policy issues related to HE A&D. In addition, it provides a forum for exchange for the various subject associations.

CHEAD views art and design education from the standpoint of institutions that offer higher education and its primary objects are to advance knowledge and understanding of art and design higher education. In support of this aim, CHEAD has as its objects:

• To provide a forum for debate and exchange of information and ideas for senior managers in higher education in art and design
  
  
• To seek to inform, influence and initiate policy in higher education in art and design at national and other levels.
  
  
• To support and enhance the quality of art and design education
  
  
• To provide a forum on academic and administrative matters experienced in art and design as a whole
  
  
• To inform, influence and initiate policy, as appropriate at regional, national and international level
  
  
• To seek to provide its members with a barometer of opinion
  
  
• To anticipate and influence policy through an established relationship with government, planning and funding bodies,  validation and examining bodies and other professional bodies influencing art and design education
  
  
• To facilitate the dissemination of information.