PVG
06/10
Scottish Government Update
You may be aware that the Home Office has announced a review of the vetting and barring scheme that covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is to let you know that the Scottish Government is proceeding as planned to implement the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) which has been the subject of extensive consultation and engagement with people who work with children and protected adults in Scotland. The continued interest and views of stakeholders have helped the Scottish Government to shape a system that strikes the balance between robust regulation and proportionate protection, without compromising on the need to minimise bureaucracy. The PVG Scheme only applies to people who work with vulnerable groups and it does not apply to personal arrangements that people make with friends or family, or to work positions where there is no opportunity to cause harm to vulnerable groups.
The PVG Scheme will be phased in over a four year period to ensure that the administrative burden on groups and organisations that work with vulnerable groups is minimised. It is expected to commence at the end of 2010 and an exact commencement date has still to be announced by Scottish Ministers.
The Scottish Government welcomes the review of the VBS which provides an opportunity to bring the VBS closer to the PVG Scheme in scope and proportionality.
For more information on the PVG Scheme visit www.scotland.gov.uk/pvglegislation
PVG Scheme Implementation Programme
Children, Young People and Social Care
Directorate
The Scottish Government
Tel: 0131 244 0272