Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme

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.

The scheme will be implemented under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (external website) and there will be further consultation towards the end of 2008, on the draft Scottish Statutory Instruments required to implement the PVG scheme.

Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years said:

"It is vital that we make sure that people who are unsuitable do not gain access to children or protected adults through work, either paid or unpaid, and that those who become unsuitable are detected early and prevented from continuing to work. That's why we are driving forward with a dependable, efficient and strengthened scheme that strikes the right balance between proportionate protection and the need to ensure that the privacy rights of individuals are not unduly compromised."

What happens next?

Ministers are now considering the detail of the analysis and expect to publish a full response after the Scottish Parliamentary summer recess. 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. In the meantime, implementation activities are continuing and this includes the development of a comprehensive package of training and guidance that will be available in the run up to go live.

More information 

For the full analysis or for more information on the PVG scheme visit the Scottish Government website.