CRER is working in partnership with the University of Strathclyde to host the new Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland.

Following an open procurement process, the contract to host the Anti Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) was awarded by Scottish Government to Strathclyde University, in collaboration with CRER.

The need for an Observatory that would hold the Scottish Government and other public sector bodies to account for their commitment to anti-racism came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic which once again exposed that long-standing, systemic racism still exists and can have fatal consequences.

Prior to the award of the contract, a long period of exploration and consultation was carried out by previous advisory groups. More information is available here: Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group and Design Advisory Group. This work is informing the development of AROS.

For a period of two years, Strathclyde University is leading work to set up this new body, with CRER bringing expertise and understanding from an anti-racism perspective. AROS is a new national organisation, funded by Scottish Government to work with government, public bodies and communities. Scottish Government has confirmed that the funding and work of AROS is separate and additional to existing racial equality initiatives.

A press release with welcoming messages from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities, Strathclyde University and CRER was issued to launch the work on 13th May 2025.

AROS has a staff team and Strategic Advisory Board in place from January 2026, and dedicated communications, engagement and involvement approaches are being developed alongside community partners. Information and updates from the AROS Hosting Partnership are available here: AROSonline

A ‘soft launch’ for the AROS Strategic Advisory Board was held on 3rd March 2026. The new AROS Co-CEOs and staff team welcomed Strategic Advisory Board members; Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities; Scottish Government’s Strategic Team for Anti-Racism; and representatives of AROS Hosting Partnership (University of Strathclyde and CRER). A formal launch event for AROS and its work, involving wider stakeholders and communities, will be held later in the year.

Throughout the work to support AROS and beyond, CRER will continue with its research, scrutiny and campaigning work to tackle structural racism in Scotland.