protecting Vulnerable Adults scheme

A new disclosure scheme to improve the protection of Scotland’s most vulnerable groups went live on February 28,

Like the current disclosure system, it is designed to ensure that people who have a known history of harmful or abusive behaviour are not put in positions of trust with vulnerable people.

However, it will improve those arrangements by reducing the need for people to complete a lengthy application form every time a disclosure is required through a membership scheme that continually updates relevant information.

It will also ensure that people who become unsuitable during their employment can be quickly identified and will allow employers to check records more quickly and easily.

The PVG scheme will affect a wide range of organisations and groups across the statutory, voluntary and private sectors that provide services, activities and amenities for children and protected adults. This scheme will be managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland.

People who work on a regular basis with vulnerable groups will join the PVG scheme and from then on their membershiop records will be automatically updated if any new vetting information arises. vetting information is conviction information retrieved from criminal justice systems and non conviction information held by the police that is considered relevant.

Groups will also be able to make a referral to disclosure Scotland if they investigate and conclude that an individual has behaved in a harmful way towards vilnerable adults.

A person who is barred from working with children, protected adults or both in Scotland will alos be barred throughout the U.K

During the first year of the scheme it will only be available to those who are joining vulnerable groups workforce for the first time. After a year a new secure electronic PVG scheme will become available. 

The PVG Scheme will also strengthen protection for vulnerable groups in instances where people are employed on a personal basis. Personal employers – such as a parent who employs a sports coach for their child or a person employing a personal carer – will be able to check that a person is a PVG Scheme member.

Caithness Voluntary Group had organised a training day with Disclosure Scotland in February if there was people that missed this and would like to attend an information session on all the changes contact Yvonne 01955 609960

Link below for further guidance and support
http://www.crbs.org.uk/