The University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), is to host the first Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS).
The new body will support community led efforts to tackle racism in the public sector, guided by the experiences of those affected by racial inequality.
Funded by the Scottish Government, it is anticipated AROS will eventually become fully independent. It will be guided by an independent Advisory Board, with an initial mobilisation phase beginning immediately, led jointly by Strathclyde and CRER. Recruitment for a permanent CEO and core staff will follow.
The body will be a national organisation that works with government, public bodies and communities.
Nationally significant
The successful bid builds on Strathclyde’s extensive experience in hosting nationally significant centres, including the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) and the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ).
The Observatory will be hosted under a distinctive partnership model with CRER, one of Scotland’s foremost anti-racism organisations. CRER brings more than two decades of experience in advocating for the rights of Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
Together, 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 minoritised communities across Scotland.
Inclusive environments
Professor Ian Rivers, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde, said: “Our Faculty and the wider Strathclyde team have extensive experience in hosting Scottish Government-funded centres. We take pride in creating inclusive and supportive environments for ambitious, innovative projects, while upholding the independence of their work.
“We are proud to host AROS, drawing on the university’s expertise in anti-racism to nurture an organisation that will make a meaningful difference in Scotland.
AROS will not only influence national policy and accountability but also help drive systemic change.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “I am delighted that the University of Strathclyde and the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights were successful in their joint bid to host the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland. Together they bring a thorough understanding of tackling racism in Scotland, as well as a wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment in hosting new centres of expertise.
“I look forward to working with both organisations as they make the Anti-Racism Observatory a reality. As a Programme for Government commitment, this is a new national organisation that will support the Scottish Government and other public bodies to deliver genuine and irreversible systemic change for all communities across Scotland.”
Grassroots work
Jatin Haria, Executive Director of CRER, said: “CRER is delighted to be working with Strathclyde and the Scottish Government in setting up the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland. AROS will complement the existing anti-racism work being undertaken by CRER, as well as the vital work of grassroots minority ethnic organisations across Scotland.
“The establishment of a strong external oversight body will provide the transparency and accountability that we all want to see for the future of anti-racist action within Scottish Government and the wider public sector.”
Critical challenges
Professor Tanja Bueltmann, Strathclyde Operational Lead for AROS, said: “Scotland belongs to all its residents. We are proud to support addressing critical challenges of our shared modern society, delivering for Scotland through Humanities at Strathclyde.”
Manish Joshi, Director of the Social Innovation Cluster and University of Strathclyde Project Lead for AROS, said: “Partnering with CRER and supporting AROS connects with our mission to co-design solutions, and AROS will shape our research, partnerships and public engagement in new ways to enable long-term change.”