National Statistical

In 2021 the census of England and Wales included a Roma tick box on the ethnic group question for the first time. However, work to better understand this statistically underrepresented group has not stopped there. Here Daria Tkacz outlines plans for a new study exploring the lived experiences of Roma people in England and Wales.

The term ‘Roma’ refers to an ethnic group which is believed to have originated in Northern India and migrated through Europe over many centuries. In the UK today, the majority of Roma migrated from Europe after the EU accessions of 2004 and 2007.

It is important to distinguish Roma from Irish and Scottish Travellers, as well as from Romani Gypsies, who have been present in the UK since the 16th century. The Roma in the UK face a unique set of challenges related to recent migration and past experiences of discrimination.

They are also one of the most underrepresented groups in data. The 2021 Census was the first to recognise Roma as a distinct ethnic category in England and Wales, with more than 103,000 people identifying as Roma.

However, many statistics and data sources still do not distinguish Roma. They either include the broader Gypsy, Roma, Traveller (GRT) umbrella, or the ‘Any other White background’ option.

In 2021, the Inclusive Data Taskforce highlighted Roma among the minority and marginalised groups for whom missing data is a significant concern. Their report also pointed to a widespread lack of trust in government data collection, which presents an additional barrier to participation.

Amplifying underrepresented voices

Our Qualitative Research Team, within the Centre for Equalities and Inclusion, focuses on groups that are often missing from statistical data sources. By using qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups and creative approaches, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of their experiences, circumstances and needs.

There is cross Whitehall and Parliamentary interest in the research and insights for policy and government decision making. This work can help inform service provision, interpret existing statistics, and inform future approaches to data collection.

Previous work the team has completed includes, among others: research into the educational experiences of young people with special educational needs and disabilities, which informed DfE’s review of SEND provision, research into the accommodation experiences of domestic abuse survivors, who have had to leave their homes due to abuse which informed MHCLG’s Domestic Abuse Duty evaluation, and research into the lived experiences of Gypsies and Travellers, which this current research project builds upon.

We are excited to launch a new study exploring the lived experiences of Roma people in England and Wales. This will focus on culture, identity, needs, and interactions with public services.

The research is being delivered in collaboration with Migration Yorkshire, the Roma Support Group, and the University of Sheffield. The goal is to provide valuable insights for policymakers and contribute to the interpretation of existing and development of future statistics that reflect all of society.

Explaining our research

A key aspect of our study is the use of a peer research approach, a participatory method that empowers individuals with lived experience to actively contribute to the research process. We have invited 12 Roma peer researchers from six different countries of origin to join the research team. They are helping to shape the research and will be responsible for recruiting participants and conducting interviews.

The peer researchers bring a wealth of both personal and professional experience, with many serving as community advocates within civil society organisations. For most, this marks their first opportunity to engage with qualitative research methods, offering fresh perspectives and deep cultural insights. We are providing a training package which covers qualitative methodology, research ethics and data protection.

Collaborative research in action

Our peer researchers are now conducting interviews within their communities, gathering insights into the experiences of Roma people in five research sites across England and Wales.

We meet them regularly to discuss the research process, share impressions from their interviews, and support one another, creating a collaborative space for reflection and learning. Alongside this, we provide methodological guidance, offering one-to-one feedback and support to ensure high quality of the collected data and help peer researchers develop lasting skills.

At the same time, we are developing analysis of the interviews, identifying emerging themes and patterns within the data. As part of this process, we will be sharing preliminary findings with our two advisory groups – one bringing together Roma community members, academics, and Civil Society Organisations, and the other engaging policymakers with an interest in the study. These discussions will offer an opportunity to check our interpretation of the data and support policy relevance.

Next steps

We plan to conduct focus groups later in the spring to further explore the key themes from the interviews and participants’ views about potential ways forward. The data collection will conclude in June. We plan to publish the findings from the study by the end of 2025 and share them with Roma communities.

If you are interested in this work or would like to understand more, please contact equalities@ons.gov.uk.