The establishment of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) represents a significant and long-awaited step in building national infrastructure to address structural and institutional racism in Scotland.
In 2020, the Scottish Government accepted the recommendations from the Expert Reference Group on COVID-19 and Ethnicity, which included the establishment of a new independent body to support community-led efforts to support the Scottish Government and other public bodies in addressing systemic racism, guided by the experiences of those affected by racial inequality.
In October 2023, the Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group (AIGG) recommended a model for a new Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) to address systemic racism. Building on the work of the AIGG, the Design Advisory Group was invited by the Minister to support initial strategic and operational work, while the process to identify a host organisation for AROS’ first two years was completed.
Principal workstreams
AROS is designed to be:
- an Observatory which brings together quantitative and qualitative data on ethnic and racial inequalities in Scotland. This should not only include epidemiological data but also cultural, historical and other socio-political and economic factors
- a repository which holds historical and current evidence from arrange of different sources to maintain awareness and inform actions
- collaboration that reflects the consensus between the Scottish Government and all other relevant stakeholders that Scotland needs to better engage with the experiences of those adversely racialised in society
- a co-producing entity, led by those who are most affected by its outcomes.
Launch model
Initially funded by the Scottish Government and guided by an independent Advisory Board, it is anticipated AROS will become fully independent within two years. Until then, Strathclyde and CRER will deliver a robust, independent and inclusive hosting arrangement for AROS, offering expert staffing, infrastructure, and governance support while safeguarding the Observatory’s operational autonomy. They will also support the creation of regional community hubs, providing access and representation for adversely racialised communities across Scotland.
