A recruitment drive is now under way for members of two groups involved in taking forward recommendations to address the Capital’s historic links to Slavery and Colonialism.

Nine experienced citizens are being sought to join the Implementation Group as well as a call for those interested in the work to form a wider support network.

In August 2022, the Policy and Sustainability Committee endorsed ten recommendations produced by the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group (ESCLR). The group was chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer and operated over an 18-month period between December 2020 and July 2022 and involved public engagement.

In March 2023, Irene Mosota was appointed to Chair the new Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, which will take forward the ten recommendations and action plan.

The Implementation Group is recruiting for nine members from diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, ethnicities and interests to join the Chair and make sure a mix of views are considered in its work and decision-making.

The group will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of the ESCLR recommendations, managing relationships with a range of stakeholders to build momentum for change, and reporting publicly on progress. Full details and how to apply are available on the website.

In addition to the Implementation group there is an ongoing opportunity to be part of the Supporters Network. This public forum is open to any individual or organisation with an interest in the work of the ESCLR Implementation Group.

Supporters will receive e-bulletins about the work of the Group and will have opportunities to feed in to plans or comment on proposals being developed. They will be made aware of any participatory activities being organised in which they might like to take part. Full details and how to apply are available on the website.

Chair of Implementation Group, Irene Mosota, said:

“It is my great pleasure as the independent Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group to extend this invitation to those who wish to join us. My thanks to Sir Geoff Palmer who chaired the original review group and whose contribution was invaluable.

Our mission is to promote equity, justice, dignity, compassion, and love in our beautiful city and I believe that diverse voices and perspectives are essential to ensure our recommendations meet the needs of our entire community. That’s why we are actively seeking passionate individuals to become members and supporters of this work. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable city.

It is not enough to simply acknowledge the existence of inequality and racism; we must show brave and courageous leadership and take action to address these issues. By doing so, we can truly realise equity and afford dignity to everyone.”

Council Leader Cammy Day, said:

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who’s interested in promoting equality and anti-racism to get involved. We want the group and network to reflect a broad range of viewpoints and experience and to make sure action is taken. If you’ve got ideas on how we can do things differently or if you just want to play a bigger role in the city’s response to this work, we want to hear from you.”

The deadline for notes of interest is 5pm on Friday 21 July 2023 and the recruitment pack can be found on the Council website.