Future Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland: Design Advisory Group minutes - June 2024

Attendees and apologies

• Arshia Ramzan, Project Officer, Scottish Government
• Dr. Ankna Arockiam, Lecturer, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Artistic Director of Westbourne Music
• Prof. Ima Jackson, Professor of Community Engagement in Research, Social Policy and Infrastructure Development
• Dr. Mark Wong (Co-Chair of Design Advisory Group), Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Research Methods and Social and Urban Policy Subject Group Lead, University of Glasgow
• Micheal Matovu (Co-Chair of Design Advisory Group), Co-Founder and Director of Radiant and Brighter Community Interest Company
• Monica Lee-MacPherson, Head of SHIMCA (Scottish Highlands and Islands and Moray Chinese Association) Inverness
• Nusa C Parinussa, Founder-Director of ID.Y CIC. (PM role)
• Olalekan Oyedepo, Researcher, Co-Founder and Project coordinator at the Hope Project Scotland
• Rupa Mooker, Employment lawyer
• Talat Yaqoob, independent consultant

Apologies

• Adebusola Ramsay, Visual Artist, Independent Researcher and Data Linkage Practitioner
• Ndaye-Lisa Badji-Churchill, Advocacy Officer at Shelter Scotland and Volunteer Manager at Black Girls Hike C.I.C
• Samina Ansari, Former CEO Amina - Muslim Women's Resource Centre
• Shulamite Ezechi, CEO of ANYISO
• Zaki El Salahi, Freelancer in 'Dark Matter Education' and PhD Candidate

 

Items and actions

Key discussion points

• Scottish Government (SG) Project Officer provided an update on finance and reimbursement processes
• ministerial meeting which the Design Advisory Group (DAG) required for sign off on several areas was postponed, reasons are understood
• a misunderstanding has been clarified that DAG is implementing the recommendations of AIGG rather than creating their own
• Proposed Design Lead (PDL) provided an update on follow up since the meeting with SG related to the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA). A discussion followed around the ongoing EQIA process which requires to be completed alongside the tender for the host organisation procurement. The EQIA for the Non-Binary Equality Action Plan was noted as good practice

• PDL updated on fiscal host Impact Funding Partners (IFP): sign off is being completed with contracts which releases DAG to commence the work with IFP
• noted that the Programme of Work (6 months) has been agreed and signed off
• PDL provided an update on the ongoing requesting of the SG stakeholder meeting since the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG), to provide clarity of information about DAG and future Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) and build relationships. It was noted that now that as work is shifting pace with IFP, the urgency for this meeting has increased

• DAG member with expertise in communications provided advice and an overview of work progressed on the core briefing document
• PM provided an update of procurement processes. Discussion explored how to try to ensure young people’s involvement. It is anticipated that will be made possible in the next phase of work with IFP through prioritising community engagement

• PDL and Co-Chairs provided an update on community engagement work including meetings proposed, job roles, supporting conversations, a discussion followed including a note that swift action to meaningfully carry out the work would be ideal

• it was noted that the PDL has yet to be formally contracted. Lack of safety and urgency is increasing. A PDL is required in order to move onto direct community engagement work
• an additional DAG member was proposed and the group agreed

• noted there is no project lead recruited, and this is creating and sustaining unacceptable risks and demands of DAG members and those they seek to engage. SG approached to address and end this situation

• the previously requested meeting of SG stakeholders in “race” equality sector has been followed up with a further request

Thanks and close

Co-chairs thanked everyone for their participation in the discussions and encouraged members to get in touch if anyone has any suggestions or concerns.

Actions

• Proposed Design Lead (PDL) to schedule a communications briefing session for DAG
• all members to review evaluation criteria for host tender to support sign off by 4th July
• Project Manager (PM) to collate all DAG feedback and questions for next meeting with SG procurement team
• Project Officer and PM to set up community engagement short life working group meetings and circulate invites to DAG