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Signatory Institutions and Professional Associations

Signatory Institutions and Professional Associations

This page provides information about the Universities and Organisations who have signed up to the #GTRSBintoHE pledge. It will continue to be updated as more organisations, institutions and professional associations commit to supporting GTRSB students into and within Further and Higher Education by 'taking the Pledge'.

Universities and Education providers who are "Pledge Signatories"

All Universities and/or educational institutions listed below have signed up to the Pledge. Links are provided both to their Institutional statement (which specifies which actions they are currently undertaking and developments planned or in progress) and you can also listen to a short video in which their Vice Chancellor, Principal or similar level of Senior Executive speaks about the important of the Pledge to their institution and makes a commitment to fulfilling the core Principles and Activities. If you are interested in signing up to the pledge, you can find out more information on our GTRSB into HE Pledge page.

Buckinghamshire New University

Vice-Chancellor Nick Braisby, outlines in this video the inequalities and barriers into Higher Education that GTRSB communities face and pledges that Bucks will do all they can to tackle these social injustices.

Vice-Chancellor Nick Braisby has also proudly written an open letter explaining Buckinghamshire New University's contribution to the pledge.

Charmaine Holmes, a Buckinghamshire New University student who is studying Social Work BA (Hons), talks about the importance of the University’s GTRSB Bursary in a video you can access here.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @_BNUni #GTRSBintoHE

Buckinghamshire New University: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Hull

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Becky Huxley-Binns explains in the video what taking the Pledge means for the University of Hull.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan J Lea, has outlined in a written and open letter how the University of Hull commits to the GTRSB Pledge to support Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater students accessing and participating in Higher Education.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @UniOfHull. #GTRSBintoHE

University of Hull: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Sunderland

In this video, Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, shares his delight and pride at signing the GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge. Sir David Bell wants the University of Sunderland to have more GTRSB students studying at degree level.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @sunderlanduni #GTRSBintoHE

University of Sunderland: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Strathclyde

In this video Principal and Professor Sir Jim McDonald, recognises that people from GTRSB communities are under-represented within higher education. The University of Strathclyde aim to better understand and help surmount those barriers to access, making sure they listen carefully to the needs and views of those within the communities.

The University of Strathclyde have published here on their website what the GTRSB pledge means to them as well as outlining their commitments towards a better future into and within Higher Education for GTRSB communities.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @UniStrathclyde #GTSBintoHE

University of Strathclyde: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Winchester

Sam Jones, Assistant Vice-Chancellor at the University of Winchester, outlines what measures they will be taking to make their University more socially inclusive for GTRSB communities.

In an open letter The University of Winchester recognises the unique individual experiences of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater students and how these may inhibit access and participation in higher education. The University acknowledges the need to create change, impact and positive outcomes for GTRSB students and commits to four key areas.

Opening the Doors Conference at Winchester

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @_UoW #GTRSBintoHE

University of Winchester: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Essex

This video from the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Anthony Forster, and President of the SU, Molly Purcell, shows the University of Essex's commitment to improving diversity amongst their student and staff population. In this news story, the University explain what it means to them by signing up to take the GTRSB into HE pledge, including quotes from the VC and a current student.

The University of Essex have also created a section on their website which ties all this information into one clear and concise invaluable resource, which hopes to improve access into higher education for those from a GTRSB background.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @Uni_of_Essex #GTRSBintoHE

University of Essex: GTRSB into Higher Education (Password: Pledge)

Nelson College London

Nelson College London (NCL) commits to the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boaters (GTRSB) into Higher Education Pledge and the College welcomes applications from prospective students from these backgrounds. There is a full range of academic and pastoral support to help students through their studies at NCL.

Read the activities that NCL have committed towards as part of the pledge. In this video, Principal Geoffrey Alderman onfirms Nelson College London's commitment to provide educational opportunities for Gypsy, Traveller, Romany, Showmen and Boater communities.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @Nelson_College #GTRSBintoHE

Nelson College London: GTRSB into Higher Education

Institute for Contemporary Theatre | Brighton

The Institute for Contemporary Theatre’s commitment to the four key areas of the GTRSB pledge will be to: 

  • Support the students who enter our institutions with access to the FAIR ACCESS FUND which means they will be entitled to a bursary if they are from a low-income household
  • Continue to monitor data through our admissions system
  • Support students who have not made themselves aware to us 
  • Continue to link up and reach out to schools with a high percentage of GTRSB in their community.
  • Offer bespoke workshops to the GTRSB community studying performing arts
  • Add the GTRSB flag to our website
  • Support their annual GTRSB month

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @ICTheatreUK #GTRSBintoHE

Institute for Contemporary Theatre | Brighton: GTRSB into Higher Education

University of Northumbria

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University Professor Andrew Wathey CBE said in his statement of commitment to the pledge: “We recognise that members of GTRSB communities experience considerable inequalities in access to education, along with prejudice and discrimination in everyday life. As a university we value diversity, and we are determined to ensure we provide an inclusive environment for all. In signing up to this pledge we commit to better understanding the experience of our GTRSB students and staff, so that we can work collaboratively to create environments where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and able to thrive."

Northumbria University’s statement of commitment to the pledge can be accessed here: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/race-equality-charter/grtsb-pledge/

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @NorthumbriaUni #GTRSBintoHE

University of Northumbria: GTRSB into Higher Education

Anglia Ruskin University

Vice Chancellor Roderick Watkins states Anglia Ruskin University's commitment to the pledge in the video below. 

The commitment statement can be viewed here: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - ARU

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @angliaruskin #GTRSBintoHE

Anglia Ruskin University: GTRSB into Higher Education

University College Leeds

Our public pledge statement and video from our Dean of HE talking about taking the pledge can be viewed below.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @UniCentreLeeds #GTRSBintoHE

Leeds City College

See Leeds City College’s pledge commitment statement here and video from the Principal Bill Jones below.

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @leedscitycoll #GTRSBintoHE

In2 Med School

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @in2medschool #GTRSBintoHE

 

The University of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) has committed to adopting the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Boater and Showmen (GTRSB) into Higher Education Pledge. This pledge was made during Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month (June) 2023. The Pledge represents a firm commitment by an educational institution to undertake steps to support students from GTRSB communities into and within higher education.

In signing the Pledge, USW has agreed to create equitable spaces, tackle stigmas, and remove barriers for GTRSB students. Additional measures have also been pledged, including a commitment to design and deliver a multi-intervention outreach and engagement programme to promote access to and participation in higher education specifically for the GRTSB community, and a pledge to identifying a dedicated contact for GTRSB colleagues and GTRSB students.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at USW, said: “On behalf of everyone at the University, I want to say how proud we are to sign up to the Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showman and Boaters (GTRSB) in Higher Education Pledge.

“At USW, our mission is to change lives and the world for a better tomorrow. We aim to change the lives of every single person who comes to the University, regardless of their background or their experiences. This includes everyone in the GTRSB community, but we also recognise the barriers that exist in accessing higher education for GTRSB communities. That’s why we are making this commitment by signing up to the pledge to take action to create fair and equitable spaces for all.”

University of Sussex

The National Pledge represents our commitment to creating a welcoming environment and conditions at Sussex in which GTRSB students can thrive academically and personally. We also keen to supporting the professional and personal development of staff who self-identify as GRTSB.

University of Sussex: GTRSB into Higher Education

Liverpool John Moores University

Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @LJMU#GTRSBintoHE

Contacts - Billie-Gina Thomason and Phil Bakstad at Student Inclusion Team inclusionsupport@LJMU.ac.uk (Tel 0151 231 3149)

Supporting Organisations and Professional Associations

The 'Organisations' listed below demonstrates which specialist community NGOs and professional associations have made a commitment to encourage sign-up to the #GTRSBintoHE Pledge. These agencies can be approached to explore ways of ensuring that curricula is inclusive, representative and culturally competent; to link to and represent local GTRSB communities, or to offer training or specialist advice to universities who have, or are intending, to 'take the Pledge.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Social Work Association

BASW supports pledge to increase access to higher education for students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. The pledge consists of a firm commitment by a university, college or educational institution to undertake steps to support GTRSB students into and within higher education.

Join the conversation on Twitter @BASW_Cymru @BASW_UK @GRTSWAssoc @EffectivePrac #GTRSBintoHE

READ PLEDGE HERE

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