Progress update on PVG Scheme Implementation Activities - Issue 4 - January 2010
The purpose of this progress update is to keep people who work with vulnerable groups up to date with progress and plans in the run up to the PVG Scheme going live at the end of 2010. This issue includes articles on the fees associated with PVG Scheme membership and long term cost benefits, automatic listing and police information as well as updates on information events and guidance and training activities.
Translated Versions of the PVG Scheme Information Booklet
The PVG Scheme Information booklet text is now available in Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
If you are unable to download a copy from the link above, call 0131 244 0272 or email pvg.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk for hard copies.
Publication of draft secondary legislation and guidance
A consultation on the key elements of the secondary legislation required to implement the PVG Scheme was published on 10 November 2009. Also published for consultation is the draft guidance to enable stakeholders to comment on its structure and format.
News release, 10 November 2009
British Sign Language (BSL) Version of the PVG Scheme Information Booklet
The PVG Scheme Information booklet (which is further down this page) is now available in BSL. It also includes voiceover which may be of interest to people who have a visual impairment. If you cannot access this link to the online version, copies of the DVD are also available from jan.murray@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by calling 0131 244 4907.
Progress update on PVG Scheme Implementation Activities - Issue 3 - October 2009
The purpose of this progress update is to keep people who work with vulnerable groups up to date with progress and plans in the run up to the PVG Scheme going live in 2010. This issue includes an update on guidance and training plans, secondary legislation and an article about the policy direction on regulated work with children and adults.
Visiting Authors in Schools and the PVG Scheme - July 2009
Several prominent children's authors have recently spoken out about the Vetting and Barring Scheme which will come into force in England and Wales later this year. There is no equivalent change to legislation in Scotland this year.
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, which will be implemented in Scotland in 2010, is designed to protect vulnerable groups from those who might do them harm through access to them through their normal duties in work.
However, for the scheme to be efficient and effective, it must be targeted at the right people and striking the balance between proportionate protection and robust regulation is vital. The Scottish Government and its partners are examining aspects of the scope of regulated work to ensure a proportionate approach is taken.
Each type of activity with children needs to be considered in context. It will not be the case that every visiting author to Scottish schools has to join the scheme. It will depend upon factors relating to the particular management arrangements the school had made for the visit and what activities the visitor is expected to carry out, for example in a supervisory role with the children.
The Scottish Government will be consulting with a range of interested parties during the drafting of further legislation in this area due to be laid in Parliament in 2010.
Information Events - June 2009 - Update
In June 2009, the Scottish Government hosted a series of eight information events to bring organisations up to speed with implementation activities and provide an opportunity to consider and discuss aspects of the PVG Scheme. The events were attended by around 1300 people from organisations that are registered with Disclosure Scotland, have a regulatory role, or that represent groups and/or organisations that work with vulnerable groups.
Here are the presentations which were delivered at each event.
Issues recorded at each event are being considered in relation to the drafting of relevant Scottish Statutory Instruments and the guidance. Online FAQs have been updated to reflect, as far as possible, the range of questions asked.
New Information Booklet - April 1, 2009
The Scottish Government has published a new information booklet to help raise awareness of the PVG Scheme. It is available in different on line formats so that groups and organisations can distribute it easily it to staff, volunteers, members and clients. It is also available in hard copy.
Update on Implementation Activities Issue 2 - March 2009
The purpose of this update bulletin is to help keep stakeholders up to date with implementation activities in the run up to the PVG Scheme going live in 2010.
Publication of Response to Consultation on Policy Proposals for Secondary Legislation
The Scottish Government has published the response to the analysis of the consultation on policy proposals for secondary legislation.
News Release, 6 October 2008
Update on Implementation Activities - September 2008
The purpose of this update bulletin is to inform stakeholders of progress with implementation of the PVG Scheme. It includes a brief description of the scope of each of the projects that make up the overall implementation programme and highlights recent implementation activities and next steps.
Analysis of Consultation on Policy Proposals for Secondary Legislation
The Scottish Government has published a detailed analysis of the consultation on policy proposals for secondary legislation required to deliver a robust vetting and barring scheme that will keep people who would harm children or protected adults out of relevant employment positions. The analysis attracted 199 responses and takes into account information gathered from over 1000 people who attended a series of consultation events.
News Release, 27 June 2008
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Conference, 22 October 2007
Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram delivered the keynote speech at a Holyrood Events Conference on protecting vulnerable groups on 22 October 2007. The Minister provided an audience of nearly 300 professionals with an overview of how the new PVG Scheme will work and highlighted the Scottish Government's commitment to engaging widely with stakeholders on the secondary legislation required to implement the scheme.