Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group to Develop National Anti-Racism Infrastructure minutes: September 2023

Attendees and apologies

• Dr Addy Adelaine, International Social Worker and expert in action research and inclusive accountability

• Ndaye-Lisa Badji, Head of Advocacy and Partnerships, Intercultural Youth Scotland
• Jatin Haria, Executive Director, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights
• Professor Ima Jackson, Co-Chair, Professor of Community Engagement in Research, Social Policy and Infrastructure Development, Glasgow Caledonian University
• Monica Lee-McPherson, Head, Scottish Highlands and Islands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA)
• Micheal Matovu, Co-Founder of Radiant and Brighter
• Professor Nasar Meer, Professor of Race, Identity and Citizenship, University of Edinburgh
• Dr Mark Wong, Senior Lecturer, Public Policy and Research Methods, Glasgow University 
• Talat Yaqoob, Co-Chair, Independent Consultant and Social Researcher across equalities issues

Apologies

• Moi Ali, author and expert on communications and marketing
• Tuoyo Ayiku, Head, Heart of Africa charity and manager, Heart in the Community Café
• Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• Kate Miguda, Professor Ima Jackson’s Mentee
• Dr Gina Netto, Reader, International and Forced Migration, Heriot-Watt University

Scottish Government

• Jeff Macdonald, Secretariat
• Nanjika Nasiiro, Strategic Lead, Equality Division

Items and actions

Context setting for the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group to Develop National Anti-Racism Infrastructure (AIGG) conclusion and AIGG documents update

• The accountability report has been sent to Louise Macdonald, Director General Communities and Alison Byrne, Interim Director for Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights. Scottish Government will review and respond to the report in due course. A full copy of this report will be sent to AIGG members.
• A review paper mapping out institutional memory will be shared with group members for comment, which articulates what has happened to date and what the next steps are.
• An executive summary, policy briefing paper and community briefing paper have been produced and will be shared with group members.
• It was noted the above documents will be published online.

Update on Ministerial letter

• The accountability report and accompanying letter have been shared with the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees.

Next steps on interim Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) design work

• Co-Chairs confirmed funding for AROS is separate to the Scottish Government (SG) Equality and Human Rights Fund.
• Co-Chairs summarised the previous discussions and next steps to implement AROS through a procurement process. This may take between 6 to 9 months and it was noted community trust and momentum may be lost during this period.
• Co-Chairs highlighted SG has confirmed funding for two SG staff members to provide independent interim support to set up AROS during the procurement period until a host has been procured to house AROS and staff are recruited.
• Group members noted the process of procurement must ensure the organisation selected to house AROS understands anti-racism.
• An interim design group will be established, which may include up to four members from the AIGG. Group members were invited to express interest via contacting the Secretariat. 
• Professor Jackson has been approached by SG and asked to lead a small design team to support the interim period. She sought and was given endorsement by the AIGG members to accept.
• It is anticipated that an advisory group would be a key support structure for this interim period. Talat Yaqoob sought and was given endorsement by the AIGG to chair or co-chair an advisory group to support design and developments during this interim period.
• It was noted that once a host organisation is identified through procurement all staffing roles and advisory/steering group roles will be progressed through usual application processes.
• It was noted that organisations intending to apply to host AROS cannot apply to be a member of the interim design group due to conflict of interest. 
• It was noted some further reserved places should be provided for grassroots organisations to participate in the interim design group. Group members were invited to share relevant external contacts they have with the Co-Chairs to support next steps.

AIGG community led event with Minister Roddick invited – 21 November or 22 November 2023

• Co-Chairs noted the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees has been invited to attend an AIGG community-based event in late November, likely to be held in Glasgow. It was noted commitment to anti-racism and AROS will be acknowledged during the event. Further details will be shared with group members once confirmed.

Giving thanks and close

• Co-Chairs confirmed this was the final AIGG meeting and thanked all group members, the youth panel, community members and the community researchers for their valuable support and input. In particular, Co-Chairs thanked group members for their helpful participative approach throughout each stage of the working group.
• Co-Chairs will share a final written summary outlining next steps with group members.

Actions

• Secretariat to send accountability report to group members
• Secretariat to send review paper mapping out institutional memory with group members for comment
• Secretariat to share executive summary, policy briefing paper and community briefing paper with group members
• The documents noted above will be published online: the accountability report, review paper mapping out institutional memory, executive summary, policy briefing paper and community briefing paper
• Group members to consider sharing external contacts with Co-Chairs who may be interested in supporting the interim design group
• Group members to express interest in joining the interim design group via contacting the Secretariat
• Co-Chairs to share a final summary outlining next steps with group members