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Race Equality Advisory Forum

1 Foreword by Jackie Baillie, MSP

Jackie Baillie, MSP
Minister for Social Justice and Chair of the Forum

I am pleased to present the report of the Race Equality Advisory Forum. The publication of this report marks a significant step forward in the development of a comprehensive race equality strategy for Scotland. The overarching report and eight action plans give the public sector in Scotland a clear insight into the key issues of concern to Scotland's minority ethnic communities. The plans will also be invaluable as the public sector begins to prepare the race equality schemes required under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

In 1999, I invited Forum members to bring to this work their own experiences and knowledge both of the different minority ethnic and faith communities and of different sectors. Their drive and commitment has been enhanced by their success in involving a wide range of people from different communities and from the different sectors covered by the action plans. By building on existing networks, working with relevant organisations and through the four consultative seminars held in summer and autumn 2000, the Forum was able to draw on a huge breadth of expertise and experience.

I would like to thank all those in communities and in the public and voluntary sectors who gave of their time and energy by participating in one of these seminars, or by meeting with Forum members or by providing written comments on the Forum's plans. I would also like to thank the colleagues and the families of the Forum members. Without your support, Forum members would not have been able to devote so much time and effort to this important task. Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Forum themselves. Their energy and their commitment made this report possible, while their humour and vitality made Chairing the Forum a pleasure.

The Forum and I are in no doubt of the challenges ahead. Not least there must be an ongoing push to ensure that racism of any sort, be it institutional racism, racial discrimination or racial harassment, has no place in Scotland. Politicians, institutions, organisations and individuals will have to make a sincere and sustained commitment to delivering worthwhile, lasting change. Only in this way can race equality become a reality for all of Scotland's people.

We were all saddened by the untimely death of our friend and colleague Subhash Joshi, CA, OBE. He brought to our work, especially on the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning action plan, wise counsel, as well as the professional and business insight which he had demonstrated as President of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Glasgow and Edinburgh Ethnic Minority Enterprise Centres. He dedicated considerable time and energy to many varied voluntary commitments including as Chair of both Positive Action in Housing and of the Ministerial Crimestoppers Campaign. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues who too must miss his warm and wise support.

Subhash Joshi CA OBE
30 June 1953 - 8 May 2001

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