The University of Leeds signs a Higher Education pledge supporting Gypsy and Traveller students

The University of Leeds commits to supporting Gypsy and Traveller students at their institution by signing a Higher Education pledge.

The pledge is centered around breaking down barriers for students from these communities and supports and facilitates the development of an inclusive and welcoming culture for students and staff.

Ensuring support and access to Higher Education for Gypsies and Travellers, as well as Roma, Showmen and Boater community members, is all about creating equality of opportunity.

 We are really proud to say this is the third institution in Leeds to sign the pledge, including Leeds City College and University College Leeds.

The University of Leeds will be reviewing and developing their current working practices through the following four key areas:

·       Data monitoring of student and staff numbers from these communities

·       Building a supportive and welcoming culture for these students

·       Outreach & engagement to local Gypsy and Traveller communities

·       Inclusion, Celebration and Commemoration of Gypsy, Roma Traveller, Showmen and Boater cultures and communities  

The pledge was originally developed by Buckinghamshire New University in consultation with community members and 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 our commitments into actions. We have a small group of students who have identified as being Gypsy, Roma, Traveller or Irish Traveller at the university and we hope to begin establishing connections with some of these students, with the aim of student voice being at the heart of this work and all that we do.

Some of the other commitments the university has made are:

·       A named contact for supporting these student groups within the university ensuring their voices are heard and influence the direction the university’s work takes

·       Increased understanding through CPD training to student-facing staff

·       Outreach programs and events with Gypsy and Traveller young people with Leeds GATE

·       Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month to become part of the university’s cultural caldendar and celebrated across the University of Leeds.

If you’d like to find out more about the commitments made by University of Leeds please see their website or contact our team on contact@leedsgate.co.uk