PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS SCHEME

UPDATE – APRIL 2008

CONSULTATION on policy proposals for secondary legislation

The Scottish Government’s consultation on the policy proposals for the 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 attracted 200 written responses.

These are currently being analysed and a full report will be published later this year.   The analysis will enable

Ministers to make policy decisions on key aspects of the PVG scheme which will be developed through secondary legislation during 2008/2009.

During the consultation period (1 November 2007 until 12 February 2008) the Scottish Government ran a series of information events in the six Scottish cities and Perth and supported a road show to rural areas hosted by the Central Registered Body in Scotland.  The events and the road show attracted over 1000 people, representing a wide range of groups and organisations.  Participants discussed and explored a range of issues and answered polling questions relating to the policy proposals for secondary legislation.   The results from the polling will be considered along with the consultation responses as part of the overall analysis.  The questions and answers from all the information events are at

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/children-families/pvglegislation.

A date for the vetting and barring scheme to go live is still to be determined and the Scottish Government will announce the date well in advance to allow stakeholders adequate time to prepare.  In the meantime, implementation plans are continuing, in partnership with a range of groups and organisations.  This work includes planning and developing a comprehensive package of guidance and training which will be available in the run up to go live. 

Attached to this email is a Summary of the PVG Scheme which you may find helpful if you are briefing clients, employees, volunteers, members or other stakeholders.

For more information go to http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pvglegislation

Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act Implementation Team Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate

The Scottish Government

Tel: 0131 244 4907, Email: pvg.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

April 2008