Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange

Who we are

Originally founded by community members in 2003, Leeds GATE works for Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds and across West Yorkshire – a population estimated at around 7,000.

Prior to the formation of Leeds GATE Jim Connors (a Leeds resident and became a long-term member) took a critically important case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). His successful appeal led to security of tenure for all residents of public Gypsy and Traveller sites. His victory still provides inspiration and motivation in our work.

Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange has its roots in the work of Gypsy and Traveller activists going back many years in West Yorkshire.  Ada North, Tommy Doherty, Jim Connors, Eileen Lowther, Kim Moloney, along with many colleagues from their communities and partners including Peter Saunders, the former head of the Leeds Travellers Education Service and Maureen Baker MBE, laid the foundations for what became Leeds GATE.

Our culture and values

Our vision

A world in which all Gypsies and Travellers have the opportunity to thrive and make choices as equal, valued and respected members of society.

Our values

Leeds GATE Board of Directors, staff team, members and volunteers have agreed on the following as our organisations values statements. We are extremely proud of our strong vision and values, developed collectively and owned by the members and the staff team. They guide a lot of the work we do day-to-day.

Leeds GATE belongs to Gypsies and Travellers

Leeds GATE is welcoming

Leeds GATE respects people’s privacy

Leeds GATE believes that people should be safe

Leeds GATE helps people to help themselves

Leeds GATE is honest and open

Leeds GATE doesn’t make promises that can’t be kept

Leeds GATE is brave and creative

Leeds GATE believes that everyone is equal and can be included

Focus areas

We work tirelessly to address the issues which affect the homes, health, education, employment and circumstances of Gypsy & Traveller people, as guided by our members.

• Learning and Young People

• Mental health

• Advocacy
• Family support
• Health
• Roadside

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Working at Leeds GATE means joining a strong and diverse team supporting our members and each other. Join a vibrant and established, award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile for Gypsies and Travellers.

A series of commitments we sign up to as colleagues at Leeds GATE: 

Personal Responsibility 

• Respecting other people's time through working to plans  

• Finding the right person to deal with a problem 

• Challenge conversations which we think do not uphold these commitments or our values 

• We’re all, always learning, and should be able to say sorry 

Kindness and Fairness 

• Assuming the best of your colleagues 

• Everyone has a life outside of work  

• Applying the same policies to everyone 

Honesty 

• Honest, open and compassionate communication  

• Sometimes we have to have difficult conversations  

• Checking your understanding with the other people involved - ensuring it's clear and fact based 

• Privacy of others (other staff and members) should always be considered first