Scottish Government
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Protection for vulnerable groups
A new scheme to better safeguard vulnerable groups and simplify and speed up the disclosure process will come into effect from November 30, it was announced today.
A package of training and guidance materials has also been launched, including a new helpline 0870 609 6006, to help those who will work with the new system.
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is a new membership scheme that will replace current disclosure arrangements for people who work with children or vulnerable groups.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram said that, as well as helping ensure people who have a known history of harmful or abusive behaviour are not put into positions of trust, the scheme will be quick and easy and remove the need for people to complete a lengthy application form every time a disclosure is required.
Mr Ingram said:
"The vast majority of those who work with children or vulnerable adults are committed and caring people who want only the best for individuals in their care. Unfortunately, there are some who would do harm and the PVG Scheme intends to ensure that these people are not able to work with children and protect adults.
"The PVG Scheme has been the subject of extensive consultation and engagement with people who work with children and protected adults across Scotland. The publication of guidance and training materials today means that employers will be able to become familiar with the PVG Scheme over the next five months and as it is phased in over four years to minimise the administrative burden.
"I am confident that from November 30 we will have a system in place that strikes the right balance between protecting those who need it without hindering those looking to help."
The new PVG Scheme helpline will commence tomorrow - June 30. Over the coming months, additional training materials will be made available to help individuals and organisations plan for the introduction of the PVG Scheme.
Initial scheme membership will cost £59 with a lower fee of £18 for subsequent records updates - less than the existing cost of an enhanced disclosure check. All PVG Scheme Records Disclosures will continue to be free for volunteers working in regulated work in the voluntary sector.
Ministers are committed to providing up to £53 million, current estimates put the final cost at £44.4 million, to cover the cost of implementing the PVG Scheme. The full cost is being met by the Scottish Government.
Similar changes have been proposed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the Vetting and Barring Scheme - VBS. On June 15, 2010, the UK Government announced it will undertake a review of the scheme.
