Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group to Develop National Anti-Racism Infrastructure minutes: 9 August 2023

Attendees and apologies

• 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
• 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
• Kate Miguda, Professor Ima Jackson’s Mentee
• 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

• Dr Addy Adelaine, International Social Worker and expert in action research and inclusive accountability
• Moi Ali, author and expert on communications and marketing
• Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• Dr Gina Netto, Reader, International and Forced Migration, Heriot-Watt University

Scottish Government

• Jeff Macdonald, Secretariat
• Frankie McLean, Team Lead, Strategic Team for Anti Racism

Items and actions

Review of accountability report and next steps

• Co-Chairs noted group member feedback has been incorporated into the final accountability report. 
• The accountability report will be shared with Scottish Government officials and the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees early next week.

Community research report

• The research report is completed and will be shared with group members to provide feedback to the community researchers prior to publication. 
• Group members raised a query regarding an overspend for the community research work. Co-Chairs will discuss further with Scottish Government.
• Co-Chairs noted their formal thanks to the community researchers for the work they have undertaken.

Next steps to operationalise the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS)

• Co-Chairs provided an update regarding AROS modelling, noting discussions are ongoing.
• The Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group to Develop National Anti-Racism Infrastructure (AIGG) discussed recent feedback received on some options. It was agreed that it would be helpful to look into procurement and ascertain what is feasible.
• Co-chairs noted a feedback event could focus on learning, reflection and expectations of the AROS.

Actions

• Co-Chairs will share the community research report with group members for feedback, prior to the research report being formally published
• Co-Chairs to email Scottish Government officials regarding community research overspend
• Co-Chairs to ask Scottish Government officials what specific information can be built into a procurement process