Introduction

What is the new PVG Scheme?

The new PVG scheme is established by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. It replaces the previous Disclosure system.

The new scheme aims to ensure that those who have regular contact with vulnerable groups through the workplace (in paid and unpaid positions), do not have a history of inappropriate behaviour.

It will exclude people who are known to be unsuitable, on the basis of past behaviour, from working with children and/or protected adults. It will also detect those who become unsuitable while in post.

Who will the new PVG Scheme affect?

The PVG Scheme will affect all those in the ‘regulated workforce’. The regulated workforce consists of individuals that have regular contact with vulnerable groups, e.g. children, through the workplace (in paid and unpaid positions). This includes staff and volunteers working in community youth groups.

To check whether a post qualifies as being part of the ‘regulated workforce ‘ groups should use Disclosure Scotland’s regulated work self assessment tool.

When will it take effect?

The new PVG scheme in Scotland took over from the  Disclosure system in February 2011.

For the first year of the PVG Scheme workers and volunteers will only be required to register as PVG Scheme members when they begin a NEW post.

From the start of Year 2 of the PVG scheme, Disclosure Scotland will start to enrol all the remaining  ‘regulated workforce’. This is expected to take three years and it is not clear yet how this will be done.

I work/volunteer with young people – what does it mean for me?

If you are currently in a post you do not need to do anything. If you take up a new post, or change post, from February 2011 your employer will ask you to join the PVG scheme.

I am in charge of employing staff/ recruiting volunteers – what does it mean for me?

From February 2011 you will need to ask all new workers or volunteers in the regulated workforce to join the PVG Scheme.

No other workers/volunteers will be able  to join the PVG scheme until at least February 2012.