USW commits to signing the GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge

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.”