Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) was started by Gypsy and Irish Traveller people working with colleagues and friends from other communities who want to improve quality of life for the families and communities. To this day,  in line with the governing document, the majority of the members of the Executive Board are from the Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities.

From 2004 up to 2008, Leeds GATE was a simple registered charity providing the services via funded support, including Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, The Irish Government's Emigrant Support Programme and Comic Relief. As it has developed further and in response to a changing operating environment for voluntary and community sector organisations it decided to change the legal status of Leeds GATE.  On 23rd July 2008 it became a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable status (and a new Charity Commission number) The timeline below highlights some of the significant events in the development.