Mid-year review of GHWY’s under-represented groups networks
The launch of a peer researchers pilot project and the development of a Theory of Change are just some of the key achievements of Go Higher West Yorkshire’s (GHWY) under-represented group networks in 2025-26.
We convene four networks – Care-experienced and Estranged Students Network; Disabled Students Network; Race Equity Network; and the regional West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub – that share and transfer good practice, as well as work towards one or more outputs.
In this blog we present a mid-year review of their work.
Care-experienced and Estranged Students Network
The Network had a busy start to 2025-26 with the launch of the updated Care Leaver Covenant and Estranged Students Pledge. These e-resources outline the support available across our 13 Higher Education (HE) partners at the access, success, and progression stages in HE for care-experienced and estranged students respectively.
In autumn, the Network also collaborated on a Theory of Change that allows us to consider the short-, medium- and long-term outcomes we expect from our work.
Disabled Students Network
Following the launch of an e-learning course for student-facing HE staff to understand and support disabled students in 2024, we undertook its first annual review and update in 2025-26. This ensured the content remained up-to-date, relevant, and met user needs. In response to Network feedback, updates included highlighting how group work and last-minute timetable changes can impact disabled students more than their non-disabled peers.
The Network is now starting to look at its next output. This will support the parents and carers of disabled students and will complement our existing HE Transition Pack for Disabled Learners.
Race Equity Network
The Network grew in numbers and strength when it merged with our Decolonising the Curriculum Network at the start of 2025-26. This allowed for broader discussion while still allowing organic conversation around decolonising the curriculum.
The Network also inputted into an annual review of a guide to support Muslim students and staff during Ramadan (month of fasting) in HE, which was originally launched in 2025. Produced by Dr Shames Maskeen (Co-Chair of the Race Equity Network), the updated guide includes common pitfalls and how to respond; updated day in the life of a Muslim student or staff in Ramadan; and a Ramadan readiness audit tool.
West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub
Will France (Vice Chair of West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub) and Jenny Scannell (GHWY Project Manager and Officer) gave a presentation at the national Boys’ Impact conference last September. James Rew (Chair of West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub) also chaired a session at the event. Will France shared his reflections.
In November 2025, the West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub secured funding from the Northern Consortium for a peer researchers pilot project. ‘Lads at the Back’ will work with a few schools in West Yorkshire to train young men to be peer researchers as part of the bid with The Youth Association, James Rew (Luminate Education Group), and GHWY.
Register for our Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference
You can find out more about GHWY’s work to support under-represented groups at our annual Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference.
This year’s event – ‘Championing Diversity in Higher Education’ – will be held on Friday, 10 July at Leeds College of Building.
It will include a presentation from Jody Poole (Vice Chair of West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub) and colleagues from The Youth Association about the Lads at the Back project. There will also be a keynote from Tracy Brabin (Mayor of West Yorkshire).
Find out more and register for our Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference.
Tahera Mayat, GHWY Collaborative Outreach Officer
