Scottish Government
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Protecting vulnerable groups
New proposals to better safeguard vulnerable groups and put an end to 'needless bureaucracy' which can deter volunteers from helping Scotland's children were announced today.
The plans are intended to further ensure that people who come into regular contact with vulnerable groups through their work don't have a history of abusive behaviour while also creating a proportionate approach to vetting, ending the need for multiple disclosure checks.
The reform plans, produced following a detailed consultation on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Act earlier this year, include:
- A sensible approach so that those who have minimal contact with children - such as a plumber or delivery driver visiting a school - do not have to undergo disclosure checks
- A new PVG membership scheme for people working with children and protected adults which will end the need for costly multiple disclosure applications every time their circumstances change and create automatic updates to employers if they become unsuitable
- Clearer guidance for employers to help inform their decisions on which positions should become part of the scheme
Children's Minister Adam Ingram said:
"There is no greater responsibility than the protection of Scotland's children and vulnerable people.
"We must ensure when we drop our children off at school or when a family member requires health or welfare services they are not left in the care of someone who has a history of harmful behaviour.
"It's also vital that we detect those who become unsuitable while in the workplace which is why we're looking to strengthen the system and end situations where a person could work with children for decades but only go through the vetting process at the start of their job.
"The PVG scheme will mean records are updated automatically when someone's circumstances change, for example if they are convicted of a crime, allowing employers to more quickly and easily confirm if they are suitable.
"At the same time, we're committed to giving our young people the chance of rich and varied experiences and know how important volunteers and helpers are to local clubs and youth groups.
"Having fun and learning new skills is central to young people's development and there is no point in unnecessary red tape putting off those who genuinely want to help our children. That's why our plans signal an end to the toilsome system of multiple disclosure applications.
"These reforms herald a proportionate approach to vetting and barring to protect those who need it without hindering those looking to help."
The new PVG scheme, to be phased in over four years so that those working with vulnerable groups have time to comply, will create a list of people barred from working with children, replacing the existing Disqualified from Working with Children List.
For the first time in Scotland, a list of people barred from working with protected adults will also be created to give those using health, welfare or care services the confidence of knowing that the people who care from them do not have a history of unsuitable behaviour.
Today's proposals are the Scottish Government's response to a consultation on the steps required to implement the new vetting and barring scheme introduced through the Protection for Vulnerable Groups Act (Scotland) Act 2007, launched earlier this year.
The proposals will be introduced through secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament next year. A date for the PVG scheme to go live is still to be determined and will be announced well in advance to allow organisations and groups who work with vulnerable groups adequate time to prepare.
The scheme will exclude people who are known to be unsuitable, on the basis of past behaviour, from working with children and/or protected adults and detect those who become unsuitable while in the workplace. It builds on what has been learned from the current disclosure and disqualification services to deliver a streamlined service for people who work with vulnerable groups.
Related Information
.png)
