Interim Governance Group to Develop National Anti-Racist Infrastructure minutes: August 2022

Attendees and apologies

• Dr Addy Adelaine, International Social Worker and expert on action research and inclusive accountability
• Moi Ali, author and expert on communications and marketing
• Tuoyo Ayiku, Head, Heart of Africa charity and manager, Heart in the Community Café
• Ndaye Lisa Badji, Head of Advocacy and Partnerships, Intercultural Youth Scotland
• Dr Ima Jackson, Co-Chair, Senior Lecturer, Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University
• Monica Lee-McPherson, Head, Scottish Highlands and Islands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA)
• Miura Lima, Youth Advocacy Lead, Intercultural Youth Scotland
• Micheal Matovu, Co-Founder, Radiant and Brighter
• Hazel Peters, young person with anti-racist expertise and lived experience
• Adebusola Ramsay, Information Analyst and expert in racialised data
• 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

• Dr Halima Begum, CEO, Runnymede Trust
• Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• Jatin Haria, Executive Director, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights
• Professor Nasar Meer, Professor of Race, Identity and Citizenship, University of Edinburgh
• Dr Gina Netto, Reader, International and Forced Migration, Heriot-Watt University

Scottish Government

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

Items and actions

Key discussion points

The minutes and actions from the previous meeting on 27 July 2022 were agreed.

MacRoberts LLP provided an overview of three possible modelling options for observatory structures. The presentation slides will be shared with the group.

Group members highlighted preference for an observatory structure which gives independence from government that enables competent scrutiny within communities.

Following MacRoberts departing the meeting, the group wished to receive a summary of what functions the members perform and what functions the board perform. The group also requested a summary of governance for both The Promise (option one) and for an option three organisation, specifically detailing what governance would look like under each model and what stake Scottish Government Ministers would have in decision making.

An appraisal of modelling options would be the next stage for group (see point below regarding short life working group).

Potential sequencing of Ministerial meetings was outlined in a step-by-step process.

It was noted group members would have a role to play in attending Ministerial meetings.

Accountability questions: the final document is being revised in line with ministerial code. The group expressed a desire to ensure lived experience participation is geographically representative throughout Scotland.

A correction required was identified: a question on page three of the accountability questions should be on a scale of zero to five, not one to five.

Entry level roles, paid internships and apprenticeships were raised as an important accessibility consideration regarding observatory development.

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) evaluation was raised – a link to an Equality Impact Assessment completed for Scottish Child Payment was shared with group members as an example. The link will be shared with all group members following the meeting.

An Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) update was provided: Scottish Government has completed the quarter four (May to July 2022) report. The reporting format is improved and the group will use the IPP as a live case study of how recommendations function and are reported on.

An IPP discussion will be added as an agenda item for the next meeting.

A schedule of short life working group meetings and informal regular meetings will be established to allow group members to have further opportunities to be involved in progressing next steps.

Actions

• Secretariat to send MacRoberts LLP observatory modelling slides to group members
• Secretariat to ask MacRoberts LLP to provide a summary of the following: to clarify the functions members and the board perform in each model and to clarify governance details for both The Promise and an option three organisation, specifically detailing what governance would look like and what stake Scottish Government Ministers would have in decision making
• MacRoberts LLP to provide a summary of the following to the Secretariat: clarifying the functions members and the board perform in each model and clarifying governance details for both The Promise and an option three organisation, specifically detailing what governance would look like and what stake Scottish Government Ministers would have in decision making
• Secretariat to share MacRoberts LLP summary of the following with group members: clarifying the functions members and the board perform in each model and clarifying governance details for both The Promise and an option three organisation, specifically detailing what governance would look like and what stake Scottish Government Ministers would have in decision making
• group members to feedback on observatory modelling options through participating in a short life working group
• Secretariat to send the final online accountability questions/form to group members when received from the Co-Chairs
• group members to comment on the final online accountability questions
• Secretariat to send group members online accountability questions feedback to Co-Chairs
• Secretariat to share Equality Impact Assessment weblink for Scottish Child Payment with group members
• Secretariat to create indicative timeline for sequencing of ministerial and senior civil servant meetings with group members and share this with members
• group members to confirm availability to attend sequencing of ministerial and senior civil servant meetings
• Secretariat to add IPP discussion as an agenda item for the next meeting and share quarter four IPP report with group members