University of Leeds commitment to GTRSB into HE Pledge
The University of Leeds, which is one of 13 members of Go Higher West Yorkshire, has announced its commitment to the GTRSB into HE Pledge. This is a significant step forward in supporting students from Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater backgrounds in Higher Education (HE).
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are some of the least likely to access HE; ‘and of all ethnic groups they remain the least likely to enter higher tariff institutions’ (Brassington, 2022).
Pledge commitments
Centred around breaking down barriers to access and continuation for students and staff from these communities, a pledge commitment supports and facilitates the development of an inclusive and welcoming culture at the university. HE providers are encouraged to review and develop their current working practices in the following four key areas:
- Data monitoring of GTRSB student and staff numbers
- Building a supportive and welcoming culture for GTRSB students
- Outreach & engagement to local GTRSB communities
- Inclusion, Celebration and Commemoration of GTRSB cultures and communities
Buckinghamshire New University originally developed the pledge in consultation with community members, civil society organisations, HE representatives and education policy specialists. The University of Leeds recognises its commitment to the pledge as a meaningful step forward in supporting these significantly underrepresented student groups.
Moving forward, a working group made up of colleagues across the institution has been established to progress the university’s commitments and turn its commitments into actions. A small group of students who have identified as being Gypsy, Roma, Traveller or Irish Traveller are at the university and it hopes to begin establishing connections with some of these students, with the aim of student voice being at the heart of the work and all that it does.
Two key aims moving forward
Establishing links and relationships with GTRSB students, in the hope that it can accurately understand lived experience and capture student voice to influence this work. It plans to offer a range of engagement opportunities to support students to develop understanding and educate themselves further on GTRSB history and culture.
Raising staff awareness and understanding of these communities and the additional barriers students can face to accessing and remaining within Higher Education. Working in collaboration with Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE), a grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people and based in Leeds, it will offer action-focused learning opportunities.
