Following public consultation on fee waivers and discounts, Scottish Government and Volunteer Scotland have announced they will continue to provide free Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership for volunteers from Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVO). This decision by Scottish Ministers aims to recognise the vital importance of volunteers within Scotland’s communities.

Membership of the PVG scheme provides assurance to employers and the public that a person can work safely with children and protected adults. By continuing with the fee waiver, volunteers and charities can continue to consider new opportunities by accessing PVG membership without encountering any financial barriers in doing so.

This is part of the changes being made to the PVG scheme, which will become a legal requirement across Scotland on Tuesday 1 April. This is due to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 which aims to improve the disclosure system in Scotland by removing unnecessary barriers for people with convictions who are seeking employment or other opportunities, while also enhancing the PVG scheme.

Our team at CVS Falkirk & District will soon be publishing a full rundown of all the changes – stay tuned to our e-bulletin, website and social media over the coming weeks.