1. AROS – Detailed Timeline
AROS – Detailed Events – Timeline
Link | Description |
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| Equality (Race and Disability) Bill: mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting – GOV.UK |
01. Expert Reference Group & IPP Timeline
Link | Description |
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| 2021: ERG Initial Recommendations – Improving Data and Evidence on Ethnic Inequalities in Health | |
| 2021: ERG Initial Recommendations – Systemic Issues and Risk: Initial Advice and Recommendations from the Expert Reference Group on COVID-19 and Ethnicity | |
| 2021: The Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) | The Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) is based on delivering on the recommendations of the Expert Reference Group (ERG) on COVID-19 and Ethnicity. The IPP focuses on supporting communities to recover from COVID-19 while implementing the recommendations of the Expert Reference Group on COVID-19 and Ethnicity (ERG). As such, there is a need to ensure there is an ongoing focus on implementing the REF that may have been lost through pivoting to responding to the pandemic. A significant proportion of the ERG recommendations focus on systemic and structural change. A key recommendation of the ERG was to establish an external body to provide a range of functions, including oversight and governance. Recommendation 7 was to set up external governance to review race equality work, and the formation of an observatory |
02. Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) – Timeline
Link | Description |
|---|---|
| 2022: The Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) is Established | An independent Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) to Develop National Anti-Racism Infrastructure (AIGG) has been established, comprised of people with expertise and lived experience of racism. The purpose of the group is to: • provide independent oversight and to hold Scottish Government accountable for progress against the actions in the Race Equality Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) • provide scrutiny and advice on the work to establish a programme of systemic change on race equality • consider, gather evidence, and propose the model to support the establishment of an independent observatory • support and advise on the transition to a permanent governance body provide advice and feedback to Scottish ministers. |
| 2022/04: Interim Governance Group Minutes, April 2022 | The group discussed concerns about limited accountability, the gap between policy and delivery of anti-racist action, and the need for cultural change within the Scottish Government, highlighting that too many working groups operate in silos. Members debated terminology, identified contradictions in the Terms of Reference (ToR), and agreed that Co-chairs would review and amend the ToR for sign-off at the next meeting. They also agreed to submit accountability questions on the Immediate Priorities Plan to Senior Civil Servants, requesting responses within four weeks. The OECD Anti-Racism Review item was deferred, and Co-chairs recommended that the group’s resourcing and status be aligned with *The Promise*. Future presentations from the Keeping the Promise division may be arranged if useful. |
| 2022/05: Interim Governance Group Minutes: May 2022 | The meeting highlighted the Co-Chairs’ recommendation that the group’s resourcing and status should be on par with The Promise, with accountability questions and updated terms of reference to be circulated for feedback. Key issues included the lack of quality disaggregated ethnicity data, which hinders systemic change, and discussions on how the observatory could drive accountability by mirroring The Promise and challenging the status quo. An overview of The Promise’s accountability structure, remit, budget, and governance was provided, alongside consideration of further engagement with The Promise to explore challenges in addressing systemic issues. The OECD Anti-Racism Review report was noted, with a workshop to follow for discussion on next steps. Immediate priorities include developing a thematic reporting mechanism led by named civil servant action owners, with proposals to the Permanent Secretary for endorsement, and the sharing of reporting papers and accountability questions for group input. The Co-Chairs also expressed the need for a new reporting mechanism to engage with senior civil servants by September 2022, while resourcing and funding for governance structures remain under discussion with the Scottish Government. |
| 2022/07: Interim Governance Group Minutes, July 2022 | The group welcomed the Safeguarding Paper with positive feedback and confirmed that a young person, supported by Intercultural Youth Scotland, will join in August. The terms of reference were formally agreed, and initial discussions on the anti-racist infrastructure scoping paper showed broad support for its principles. Accountability questions were debated, with concerns raised over their length, and it was agreed that a pilot phase should be tested in an accessible online format. Intersectionality and lived experience were highlighted as essential areas for inclusion, and a workshop with civil servants leading Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) actions will be organised before the questions are issued. To ensure civil service engagement, the group recommended a joint cover note from the Permanent Secretary and Co-Chairs. Additionally, qualitative interviews with civil servants may be explored to supplement reporting. Community perspectives were emphasised as needing to be led by minority ethnic groups, underpinned by principles of compensation, meaningful engagement, trust, and system-focused change. The group also discussed the design of an external body, stressing the importance of communication, dissemination, engagement, and a strong online presence to build narrative and credibility. Consideration was given to phased development across one, three, and five years, with systematic change and the new Race Equality Action Plan (2023 onwards) identified as future agenda items. A series of actions were agreed, including circulation of accountability questions for feedback by 3 August 2022, nomination of three civil servants to work with Co-Chairs on piloting the questions, and arrangements for a pre-workshop with civil servants before issuing them. The Secretariat will also coordinate with the Permanent Secretary on a joint cover note, distribute final terms of reference, and share an online document for group members to provide feedback on observatory modelling. Group members are expected to return feedback on both accountability questions and observatory modelling, while also exploring the potential of qualitative interviews as a complementary reporting method. |
| 2022/08: AIGG Terms of Reference | |
| 2022/08: Interim Governance Group Minutes, August 2022 | MacRoberts LLP presented three potential observatory structure models, with group members expressing a preference for a model that ensures independence from government and allows for strong community-led scrutiny. The group requested further clarification on the roles and functions of members versus the board, as well as detailed governance comparisons between The Promise (option one) and an option three organisation, including the extent of Scottish Government Ministers’ involvement in decision-making. An appraisal of these options will follow, supported by a short life working group. The sequencing of Ministerial meetings was outlined, with group members expected to participate, and actions were agreed to circulate MacRoberts’ slides and governance summaries. Accessibility considerations such as entry-level roles, internships, and apprenticeships were highlighted as important for the observatory’s development. The group also discussed revisions to the accountability questions, including ensuring geographic representation of lived experience and correcting a scoring scale error. The final version will be circulated in line with ministerial code, with members asked to provide feedback. An update on the Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) was shared, with the improved quarter four report (May–July 2022) to be used as a live case study on reporting and recommendations, and further discussion scheduled for the next meeting. A Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) evaluation example, based on the Scottish Child Payment Equality Impact Assessment, was shared to guide future work. To progress these actions, a schedule of short life working group and informal meetings will be set up, giving members additional opportunities to contribute to the development of observatory structures and accountability processes. |
| 2022/10: Interim Governance Group Minutes: October 2022 | The meeting covered a range of updates and discussions across several workstreams. Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) presented feedback from the youth panel on observatory modelling, stressing the importance of genuine accountability through an independent board. Updates were provided on various short life working groups (SLWGs), including community research, accountability questions, and the Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP). The community research group outlined its approach, workplan, and timescales, with a final report expected in February 2022, while the accountability questions group shared its finalized questions and guidance, due to be issued shortly for civil servant responses. The IPP group confirmed the next quarterly report would be delayed to avoid confusion with the accountability questions release. Co-Chairs emphasized the value of informal discussions to date and encouraged members to engage in at least one or two working groups, depending on capacity. Further discussion focused on strategic issues, including ensuring the revised scoping paper explicitly references the observatory and clearly links it to Scottish Government anti-racist policy. Concerns were raised about resourcing for community engagement, with group members stressing that adequate support is essential to avoid reputational risks. The Co-Chairs have been in dialogue with Scottish Government officials and ministers to secure clarity on resources and have requested a meeting with the First Minister. Cricket Scotland was cited as an example of how an observatory could function as a hub of expertise and accountability in tackling institutional racism. The IPP "top ten" priorities were also outlined, though it was noted that feedback often lacked detail and intersectional considerations. **Actions agreed** included: updating a group member’s role/title in records; circulating IYS and IPP slides; tracking group member interest in SLWGs; issuing accountability questions with a four-week deadline; and ensuring the scoping paper revisions reflect group feedback, particularly around the inclusion of the term "observatory." |
| 2022/10: Researcher engagement with the AIGG | |
| 2022/11: AIGG Workshop 1 | |
| 2022/11: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, November 2022 | At the meeting, members reviewed previous actions using a visual tracker, which were agreed by the group. Co-Chairs encouraged wider participation in working groups, while acknowledging the heavy volume of requests. A significant discussion centred on the need for resourcing and long-term strategic buy-in, with multi-year funding highlighted as crucial for safeguarding relationships and credibility. It was noted that a draft letter from Ms McKelvie and Ms Robison is being prepared, with final details dependent on budget allocations across Ministerial Portfolios. Transparency in decision-making and funding processes was emphasised. Updates were provided on the Infrastructure and Modelling SLWG, where the lack of visible community input in the OECD report was raised, alongside the need for greater knowledge of models to allocate resources effectively. The SCADR public panel will be invited to a pre-data meeting on 6 December, ahead of discussions with Professor Camara Jones later that week. These sessions will include community researchers, AIGG members, and wider data experts, with hybrid formats planned. Intercultural Youth Scotland requested that some meetings be recorded or held in the evenings to accommodate young people’s schedules. The Community Research SLWG presented its participatory approach, which includes accessible materials, multilingual translations, community surveys, town hall events, and a Community Participatory Action Group. Timelines for achieving research outcomes by February 2023 were discussed, with translation costs flagged as a necessary budget consideration. From the Government’s perspective, the AIGG must clearly document resourcing options explored. A Glasgow/hybrid workshop on 30 November was confirmed, with members encouraged to attend in person. Agreed actions included updating group membership details, inviting the SCADR panel to the pre-data meeting, coordinating attendance preferences for Professor Jones’ sessions, clarifying recording permissions, and confirming translation costs for surveys. Deadlines were set for group members to respond to Secretariat by 25 November and for final meeting arrangements to be confirmed with Glasgow University by 28 November. |
| 2022/12: AIGG – Meeting with data experts, including Professor Camara Jones | |
| 2023: Anti-racism in Scotland Progress Review | The Anti-racism in Scotland Progress Review is a detailed examination of progress made on commitments contained within the Race Equality Framework (2016-2030) and the Immediate Priorities Plan (2021-2023). This report is independent but connected to the AIGG's work on accountability. |
| 2023/01: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, January 2023 | The meeting reviewed previous actions, presented in a visual tracker format and verbally agreed. The Community Research Short Life Working Group (SLWG) shared updates on their research, confirming ethics approval and explaining the use of a Community Participation Action Group (CPAG) to analyse survey responses. MacRoberts LLP outlined earlier modelling information, including different accountability and governance structures, advising that the “Promise” model offered the greatest independence. Members requested more detail on Observatory modelling, leading to the proposal of a ‘Promise Plus’ model, which MacRoberts will review once the group provides a list of points and questions. A hybrid/Edinburgh workshop scheduled for 6 February will focus on developing the Observatory’s first year and legal framework, with members encouraged to attend in person where possible. Feedback from Intercultural Youth Scotland highlighted the need for Observatory structures to remain accessible and community-focused. A discussion followed on CPAG composition, referencing the Terms of Reference, with a proposal to create a glossary of terminology to support the community research approach. Community researchers emphasised the importance of this and suggested a separate SLWG meeting to explore the issues further. It was agreed that the February workshop could also provide space for deeper discussion. Key actions include preparing a bulleted list of model elements for MacRoberts, issuing workshop details, and setting up the additional community research meeting. |
| 2023/02: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, February 2023 | The meeting opened with a review of previous actions and updates on community research. An informational video and flyer were shared, with group members providing feedback on accessibility, design, and language, including a request to add ‘Anti-Racism Observatory’ to the heading. The Secretariat will gather comments and circulate them to both members and researchers, with further feedback to be sent directly to the AIGG researchers. Once finalised, the materials will be shared with the wider community, and responses will be analysed through a working group. Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) requested an update from community researchers on the recent CPAG meeting, with Co-Chairs agreeing to follow this up. The Scottish Government also provided an overview of future Race Equality Policy work linked to the Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP) and Race Equality Framework (REF), noting the need to separate these actions. Members stressed the importance of transparency on accountability mechanisms and community engagement before publication, and it was suggested that skilled facilitation should support engagement activities. Looking ahead, members discussed the scheduling of multiple meetings to shape the Observatory model, review accountability responses, and deepen understanding of the IPP. Co-Chairs stressed the importance of ongoing member engagement through May, while IYS highlighted the need for accessible timings for young people’s participation. The group then considered Observatory modelling options, reflecting on the pros and cons of each approach. Members noted that the legal information from MacRoberts was difficult to interpret, and IYS are working to translate it into accessible language. It was agreed to formally request MacRoberts to provide a simplified version and to hold an online elimination meeting with AIGG members to narrow down the options. A visioning document has also been drafted and will be shared shortly. Next steps include finalising meeting schedules, issuing a Doodle poll for availability, and setting up an interim AIGG meeting, with Co-Chairs and the Secretariat coordinating follow-up actions. |
| 2023/04: Accountability Questionnaire meetings with SG policy teams | |
| 2023/04: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, April 2023 | The Welsh Government provided an overview of the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan (ARWAP), outlining the challenges in its development, including community trust deficits, resource concerns, and the need to address systemic and institutional racism. The plan was co-designed with communities through consultation grants, mentors, and roundtables, and is supported by several governance structures: the External Accountability Group (with lived experience and expert representatives), an Internal Support and Challenge Group, the Race Disparity Unit, and a bi-monthly Race Forum. High-level political commitment was highlighted, with the First Minister and Minister for Social Justice prioritising ARWAP and meeting regularly with accountability groups. The AIGG were invited to review ARWAP appendices containing Terms of Reference for accountability structures, with further detail available on sanctions and escalation processes. The AIGG commended the Welsh Government’s approach and agreed to pursue formal engagement between the Welsh and Scottish Governments at Ministerial and official levels to share best practice on accountability. Updates were also given on AIGG’s next steps, including two consolidation workshops and ongoing accountability reporting. The Co-Chairs reported on planned meetings with the Scottish Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, and highlighted the First Minister’s recent policy prospectus now referring to the ‘Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland.’ Scottish Government officials confirmed plans for a Race Equality Conference, stressing the importance of community input and collaborative policy development. The group noted the need for skilled facilitation and inclusive event design, while Co-Chairs confirmed they would engage with SG officials on conference planning. The meeting concluded with thanks to members and confirmation that the accountability report would be completed by the end of May. |
| 2023/05: AIGG Publication – Model & Structure proposed by AIGG | |
| 2023/05: AIGG Publication – Vision and Mission (Approved by Ministers) | |
| 2023/05: AIGG Workshop 2 | |
| 2023/05: AIGG Workshop 3 | |
| 2023/05: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, May 2023 | Here’s a concise two-paragraph summary of your text: — Officials discussed the next steps following the Immediate Priorities Plan (IPP), including the renaming of the Race Equality team to the Strategic Anti-Racism Team, which was welcomed by the group. Questions were raised about community participation in upcoming publications, with officials acknowledging that co-production is crucial for anti-racism work, though current expertise is limited. Updates were provided on the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG), including progress in community-led research and the need for further input from AIGG members. Discussions also covered accountability reporting, the establishment of an Anti-Racism Observatory, and potential challenges such as increased scrutiny and demands on government resources. The co-chairs provided updates on board member recruitment for the Anti-Racism Observatory, engagement with the Deputy Director of Equalities, and proposals to extend AIGG by three months with a September launch. Appreciation was expressed for the contributions of members, including the Young Persons Panel, and plans were made to explore continued engagement opportunities. Key actions include considering community input for IPP reporting, providing additional input to community researchers, sharing a refined Anti-Racism Observatory vision, confirming member availability for the extended AIGG term, and scheduling additional meetings over the next three months. |
| 2023/06: AIGG Publication – Developing an Accountability Process | |
| 2023/06: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, June 2023 | Here’s a clear two-paragraph summary of your text: — The Co-Chairs highlighted an upcoming meeting with the Minister to discuss the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS), with group members to be updated afterward. They also outlined plans for the accountability paper, requesting feedback from members once it is shared. Discussions included the vision and mission for AROS, emphasizing the importance of evidencing impact and outcomes. The process for board recruitment was reviewed, with the group agreeing on an open and transparent approach. Co-Chairs will draft a job specification, timeline, and application process for feedback, after which a Short Life Working Group (SLWG) will support wider board recruitment. Preparations for the AROS launch over the summer were also discussed, including reviewing a draft research report from community researchers and finalizing vision, mission, and structural documents. Group members will be invited to provide input on the launch planning and participate in ongoing development activities. |
| 2023/07: Young people share their guidance on safe inclusion | |
| 2023/08: Accountability paper submitted to Scottish Government | |
| 2023/08/09: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, 09 August 2023 | Here’s a concise two-paragraph summary: — The Co-Chairs reported that group member feedback has been incorporated into the final accountability report, which will be shared with Scottish Government officials and the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees early next week. The completed community research report will also be circulated to group members for feedback prior to publication. A query was raised regarding an overspend on the community research, which the Co-Chairs will discuss further with the Scottish Government. Appreciation was formally expressed to the community researchers for their contributions. Regarding the operationalisation of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS), the Co-Chairs provided updates on ongoing modelling discussions and recent feedback on proposed options. The group agreed it would be helpful to explore procurement feasibility as part of next steps. A feedback event is being considered to focus on learning, reflection, and expectations for AROS. Actions moving forward include sharing the community research report for member feedback, clarifying overspend issues with Scottish Government officials, and seeking guidance on procurement considerations. |
| 2023/08/30: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, 30 August 2023 | Here’s a two-paragraph summary of your text: — The final accountability report will be shared within the next two weeks with senior officials, including Louise Macdonald, Alison Byrne, and Minister Emma Roddick. The Co-Chairs emphasized that the report should be made public and referenced in the procurement specification for the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS). An interim procurement group will be established to use AIGG knowledge to help develop the specification. A robust procurement process is being planned to identify a suitable organisation to host AROS, with timelines and requirements to be shared with Co-Chairs and AIGG members, ensuring outputs from the AIGG are fully considered. Updates on community research noted that feedback from group members has informed the development of policy briefings and an executive summary. Suggestions included improving accessibility, analysis, and providing separate briefings for communities and policymakers, with all final documents to be publicly available. Co-Chairs will seek additional resourcing from Scottish Government to support this work. Opportunities to link the AROS launch with Canadian anti-racism initiatives were also highlighted. Moving forward, Co-Chairs will send a recommendation letter to the Minister to request continued external advisory support for the observatory’s launch, while further AIGG meetings are planned to support these next steps. |
| 2023/09: AIGG Publication – Signposting Document | |
| 2023/09: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group Minutes, September 2023 | Here’s a two-paragraph summary of your text: — The accountability report has been sent to senior Scottish Government officials and the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, with full copies, along with an executive summary, policy briefing, and community briefing, to be shared with AIGG members and published online. A review paper mapping institutional memory will also be circulated for member comment, outlining past work and next steps. The Minister has been invited to a community-led AIGG event in Glasgow in November 2023, where the commitment to anti-racism and AROS will be acknowledged. Co-Chairs thanked all group members, the youth panel, community members, and researchers for their contributions, noting this was the final AIGG meeting. Regarding the interim design and establishment of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS), Co-Chairs confirmed separate funding and outlined a 6–9 month procurement process to identify a host organisation. Interim support will be provided by two Scottish Government staff, with Professor Jackson leading a small design team and Talat Yaqoob chairing an advisory group. An interim design group may include up to four AIGG members, with reserved places for grassroots organisations. Members were invited to express interest in joining the group and share relevant external contacts. Once a host organisation is appointed, all roles will follow usual application processes, with safeguards in place to avoid conflicts of interest. |
| 2023/09: AROS Initial Structure and Model | |
| 2023/10: AIGG Publication – Inception Structure and Model (Approved by Ministers) |
03. Community Research – Timeline
Link | Description |
|---|---|
| 2022/10: Community research started | |
| 2022/10: Researcher engagement with the AIGG | |
| 2022/11: Community Research – Interviews with community leaders | |
| 2023/03: Community Research – Dissemination of community survey | |
| 2023/05: Community Research & the AIGG – Review of community research findings with AIGG | |
| 2023/09: Community Research publication – Community Research Report | |
| 2023/09: Community Research Publication – Policy Briefing |
04. Design Advisory Group (DAG) – Timeline
Link | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023/12: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Context & Purpose Meeting held to build connections ahead of the formal Design Advisory Group (DAG) convening in early 2024. Aim: discuss objectives, ways of working, and planning for the next nine months. Members include both long-term participants (from Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group – AIGG) and new joiners. Key Discussions Background & Onboarding Importance of pre-reading AIGG reports (Summary, Vision/Mission, Inception methods). Small group sessions offered to help new members get up to speed. Structure & Modelling of Work DAG work will be organised through Short Life Working Groups (SLWGs) to use members’ expertise effectively. Members encouraged to participate flexibly, according to capacity. Community & Youth Engagement Exploration of how best to bring in community voices, especially young people. Emphasis on an intersectional approach in all DAG activities. Anti-Racism Processes Recognition that designing anti-racism processes for a future organisation requires DAG to model anti-racism in its own operations. Work Planning Building a nine-month workplan, drawing on AIGG groundwork and members’ perspectives. Timeline to be formalised in February 2024. Procurement & Hosting Discussion of Scottish Government (SG) procurement process to establish a host organisation. SLWG to be set up to support this work. Scottish Government Engagement Consideration of SG’s proposed Anti-Racism Strategy and future relationship with the Race Equality Framework (REF). Importance of supporting SG’s engagement with national and wider stakeholders to ensure accurate information sharing. Logistics Agreement on scheduling formal DAG meetings from January 2024. Another preparatory meeting proposed for January. Agreed Actions Draft a “way of working” document embedding anti-racism principles. Form a SLWG for procurement support. Liaise with SG on resourcing and staffing needs. Develop a 6–9 month workplan. |
| 2024/01: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary of Key Discussion Points Meeting context: No secretariat support → documents and links unavailable. Programme of work development: Built on 7 strands from the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG). Aim: agree realistic priorities for the 6–9 month interim phase. Proposed focus areas: Community participation and communications for the future Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS). Stakeholder engagement and shared definitions of anti-racism. Technical support for repository/digital library design. Influencing procurement processes (design, assessment, participation). Clear briefings on subgroups (procurement, community engagement, stakeholders, repository/data). Development of job descriptions and MoU for future AROS. Learning from external partners (e.g., Wales, Canada, England). Addressing staffing challenges. Further discussions: Building solidarity across organisations. Tackling hostility in the anti-racism/equality landscape while safeguarding communities and members. Strengthening procurement processes to embed anti-racism perspectives. Ensuring a legally strong MoU with the future host. Setting up a short-life working group (SLWG) for community engagement. Planning for scenarios with no identified host organisation. Maintaining AIGG–DAG links despite shifted timelines. Requesting SG’s definition of anti-racism; group to define AR at multiple levels (personal → societal). Budget discussion: Original AIGG costings (2022) outdated; new budget required. Funding must cover: community participation, fiscal host, management capacity, accessibility, and evolving DAG priorities. Interim budget to be refined as priorities are set. Actions agreed: Email SG: need dedicated project manager (current model with seconded staff not working). Outline likely SLWGs and participation opportunities (procurement, community engagement, repository/data). Establish procurement SLWG immediately to respond to SG by end of January. Circulate 6-month meeting schedule to DAG members. |
| 2024/02: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: This was one of the earlier meetings of the DAG. Discussions centred on clarifying the scope and purpose of the Observatory (AROS), and how it would relate to existing structures like the Race Equality Framework and other governmental or community bodies. They examined how lived experience of racism should feed into design choices, what governance might look like, and possible funding / resource needs. Key Points / Action Items: Need for clarity about what the Observatory will not do, to avoid overlap with existing bodies. Early work on identifying possible host organisation(s) underway. Community engagement and how to pay people for their contributions was raised. |
| 2024/03: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: This meeting built on the February discussions. The group refined ideas around accountability, inclusion, and decision-making. There was also more detailed discussion of how to gather evidence and data, what indicators or metrics might be used, and how to ensure reports are meaningful and accessible. Key Points / Action Items: To develop proposals for how AROS will report outcomes, including what metrics will be used. To map existing data sources and gaps, especially relating to race / ethnicity, intersectionality, and geographic variation. Consideration of how to structure leadership / advisory roles (who is involved, terms, representation). |
| 2024/04: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: By April, the DAG was discussing in more depth how engagement with communities should be organised: methods, timing, and ensuring accessibility. There was consideration of the operational model (staffing, host, funding duration), and what kind of outputs might be possible in short / medium term. There was also discussion of risk – e.g. of tokenism, of not achieving trust, of missing voices. Key Points / Action Items: To produce a community engagement plan: who, how, scheduling, and how to use feedback. To draft a model for the Observatory’s structure: host, leadership, oversight. To identify potential risks and mitigation strategies, particularly in relation to community trust, inclusivity, and representation. |
| 2024/05: Design Advisory Group Minutes | DAG Operations: Welcomed new members. Ongoing issues with delayed payments to members. Procurement: Tender notice issued; supplier event scheduled for 17th. Short Life Working Group (SLWG) to design evaluation processes (May–June). MOU draft to be developed between government, host organisation, and AROS. Platforms & Communication: Huddle deemed costly; SG seeking advice on Google Workspace. Core Briefing being prepared to support SG communications about AROS. Requests for timely sharing of FOIs and parliamentary questions. Government Updates: Leadership changes (First Minister, Cabinet, SG liaisons) causing delays. New Equalities Directorate Director (John Somers). Ongoing need for stronger SG collaboration on anti-racism work. Fiscal Host (IFP): Progress made; IFP’s experience with progressive fund management seen as positive. Programme of Work: Members invited to provide input. Issues raised around communication, partnerships, and mapping of SG departments. Risks & Delays: Concern about SG delays in engaging wider race equality stakeholders. Lack of ministerial appointments creating risks and information gaps. Community Engagement: Focus narrowed due to time pressures. Aim to build trust and introduce working principles. Concerns about rushed processes risking harm or perpetuating racism. Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA): Progress overview given. Lack of project lead continues to pose risks and excessive demands on DAG members. Follow-ups: Further requests made for SG stakeholder meeting in race equality sector. Agreed Actions PM to gather and incorporate DAG feedback into Programme of Work (PoW). PM to share list of community organisations securely. Designer pack to be created for community engagement. MOU for future host, DAG, and SG to be drafted. Communications pack to be developed. PDL to draft EQIA briefing. DAG members to suggest external experts to involve. PDL & PM to create: A short summary paragraph of DAG’s role for members to share. A glossary of terms and acronyms for clarity and accessibility. |
| 2024/06: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: This meeting showed movement from high-level design to more practical details. Topics included funding (how much, for how long), recruiting staff / host institution, and structuring governance (e.g. reporting, oversight). The group stressed embedding lived experience of racialised people in all phases of the Observatory’s work. Accessibility and communication were again emphasised (language, format, outreach). Key Points / Action Items: To firm up funding proposals, including cost estimates and what funding will cover. To define host institution options, what capacities are needed, and how they will be selected. Pay, support and logistics for community participants to be built in from the start. |
| 2024/08/01: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: By August the DAG was focusing on models for accountability, how to monitor impact, how to make sure decision-making is transparent and participatory. There were also discussions about the timeline for launching the Observatory, priority themes or issues to address initially, and how to engage with marginalised or hard-to-reach communities. Key Points / Action Items: To develop a proposal for accountability mechanisms: what oversight, how reports are shared, how communities hold AROS to account. To identify priority thematic areas for first projects / data gathering. To ensure communication / outreach strategy, especially for marginalised communities. |
| 2024/08/28: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: At this stage, more detailed design decisions are being mooted. The DAG looked at models from other observatories or similar bodies, what works / doesn’t. They also spent time thinking about sustainability (how the Observatory can keep working beyond initial set-up), staffing, resource needs, and how to balance academic rigour with community relevance. Key Points / Action Items: To review other observatory / oversight models to learn lessons. To draft proposals for staffing structure, roles, skills needed. To plan for sustainable funding beyond initial years. |
| 2024/09: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: Discussion in September turned to draft design proposals (governance, structure) and feedback from earlier engagements. The DAG assessed what has been working / what needs change, especially around participation, accessibility, and data. Also, emphasis was placed on ensuring outputs are actionable, that reporting is not just descriptive but leads to recommendations and change. Key Points / Action Items: To finalise draft structure proposals including roles, decision-making pathways. To refine metrics / indicators: what will be measured, how, who will do the measuring. To improve feedback loops from community engagement into decision-making processes. |
| 2024/10: Design Advisory Group – Terms of Reference | |
| 2024/11: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: By November the DAG was reviewing near-final proposals for how the Observatory will operate. Items included host organisation selection, staffing, budget, reporting, accountability, and how to ensure community oversight. Also, what initial outputs might be: research questions, data collection, publications. There was consideration of how to embed equity, to ensure marginalised voices are centred, and avoid bureaucratic or academic capture. Key Points / Action Items: Review / select host organisation and leadership roles. Present a budgeted plan for the first 18-24 months of operation. Plan the first research / data priorities (topics, geographies, groups) so that early work is meaningful. |
| 2024/12: DAG Full Report – Building a National Anti-Racism Accountability Organisation | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Anti-Racism Community Engagement Fund Scotland: exploring the costing model | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Building our Way of Working | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Community Funding Reporting Guidance | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Quick Overview | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Redesigning Community Fund Application Process Through Anti-Racism Practice | |
| 2024/12: DAG Publication – Word Bank | Created by the Design Advisorary Group this word bank is designed to help readers understand our use of terminology in this report. We paid attention to the guidance from the “Approach to language” in the NHS Race and Health Observatory’s Rapid Evidence Review. |
| 2024/12: Design Advisory Group Minutes | Summary: The group reviewed what had been agreed, and checked progress vs. earlier action items. They focused on refining operational detail: governance, data / evidence, community participation, communications. Also discussed were risks (funding continuity, representation, data quality), and what to do to ensure strong visibility and impact from the start. Key Points / Action Items: • To confirm governance framework including oversight, advisory boards / committees, and community-led input. To finalise the metrics and reporting schedule. To ensure communications / public launch plans are in place with clarity of purpose, how AROS will engage, what the public / stakeholders can expect. |
| Future Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland: Design Advisory Group – gov.scot |
06. Anti-Racism Community Engagement Fund – Timeline
