PVG Scheme
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007
On 28 February 2011, the Scottish Government is to introduce a new membership scheme to replace and improve upon the current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups.
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme), which delivers on the provisions outlined in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007 will:
- help to ensure that those who have regular contact with children and protected adults through paid and unpaid work do not have a known history of harmful behaviour
- be quick and easy to use, reducing the need for PVG Scheme members to complete a detailed application form every time a disclosure check is required
- strike a balance between proportionate protection and robust regulation and make it easier for employers to determine who they should check to protect their client group
The PVG Scheme is Scotland's response to the principal recommendation of the Bichard Inquiry Report which was undertaken following the tragic murders in Soham in 2002. This recommendation called for a registration system for all those who work with children and vulnerable adults in the UK that would confirm that there is no known reason why an individual should not work with these client groups.
The Scottish Government is committed to helping local communities flourish and become stronger, safer places to live. It has built upon what has been learned from current disclosure and disqualification services in Scotland to develop an efficient membership scheme that will strengthen protection for vulnerable groups and reduce bureaucracy.
Employers will be sent supplies of the new PVG Scheme application forms soon and be kept up to date with progress. A comprehensive package of training and guidance is already available from Disclosure Scotland and - for voluntary organisations - from the Central Registered Body in Scotland.
PVG Scheme Help Service
Tel: 0870 609 6006
Email: pvg.enquiries@scotland.gsi.go.uk
How will the introduction of annual subscription impact registered bodies? From 1 April 2011, (subject to revised regulations being considered by the Scottish Parliament) an annual subscription for registration will be introduced. There will be a minimum annual charge of £75 for registration and that will cover the lead signatory and up to four countersignatories.
Any countersignatories over and above that number will cost £15 each per annum. Adding a new countersignatory during the course of the subscription year will cost £15 for each application, irrespective of how many existing countersignatories there are for the organisation. For example, even if there are only 2 existing countersignatories, it will still cost £15 to add another countersignatory during the subscription year. Thereafter the £15 annual fee does not apply unless/until the total number exceeds five. Removing a countersignatory or ending registration will not incur a fee.
In advance of a registered body’s annual subscription date, Disclosure Scotland will provide it with a full list of its countersignatories and provide it with the opportunity to delete any who are no longer active.
The purpose of introducing an annual subscription for registration is to place a duty on organisations on an annual basis to confirm the registration of their countersignatories. This will allow Disclosure Scotland to maintain accurate records and so reduce the possibility of fraudulent disclosure requests from individuals who are no longer acting in that capacity.
For further information follow the link http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/pvg
When will registered bodies be able to access online accounts?
Later in 2011, registered bodies will be able to manage their accounts with Disclosure Scotland online, if they wish. This will allow the lead signatory and countersignatories to log in and manage certain information through a secure web site.
Registered bodies will be able to:
- manage the registered person and countersignatory accounts and update personal information;
- create sub accounts and allocate countersignatories to these accounts – for example, a council might establish separate sub accounts for its education, housing and social work departments;
- view and pay invoices – which can subdivided by sub account; and remove their interest in a PVG scheme member who no longer works for them.
Year 1: Organisations should… ask new recruits to regulated work to become PVG Scheme members and continue with existing re-checking policies – these people should become PVG Scheme members.
Years 2 to 4: Organisations should… ask existing staff doing regulated work to become PVG Scheme members, ensure all staff doing regulated work are PVG Scheme members by the end of year 4 and engage with Disclosure Scotland on how this process is best managed. (Larger registered bodies only.)