Changes to PVG Scheme Requirements
Important changes are coming to the current Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
Starting Tuesday 1 April 2025, the PVG scheme will become a legal requirement across Scotland, as part of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 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. Changes include:
- membership of the PVG scheme will be a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role
- the ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing
Volunteer Scotland has organised a series of information and drop-in sessions throughout January and February, to provide practical support and insights into the new requirements. These sessions are updated regularly to reflect the latest information from Disclosure Scotland.
They have also put together a dedicated Disclosure Act webpage, with key resources and guidance to support organisations and groups during the transition.
Locally, our team at CVS Falkirk & District are here to help you navigate the new requirements, and prepare for the changes your team need to make before April. Our support builds on Volunteer Scotland’s sessions to give tailored guidance for your group or organisation, including the different levels of Disclosure checking that will be available under the new Act, and what level your team members should select.
For further information on these resources, or to book a place at any of the sessions, please visit the dedicated page.
Alternatively, for guidance and support through this change for your Falkirk District group, please contact our team at CVS Falkirk by phone: 01324 692000, or email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
Involving volunteers in your organisation
At CVS Falkirk we have a dedicated Volunteering team who can provide a range of support in relation to any aspect of your volunteer programme.
Volunteers play such an important role within an organisation: a resource that for many organisations couldn’t do without, however they are a resource that needs to be looked after, managed and nurtured. If you want help to find the right people, to support and manage them effectively to ensure they have a positive experience with you and help your organisation get the best from volunteering, we are here to help.
Find out more about how we can support you involving volunteers on the dedicated page (linked).
Volunteer Friendly Award
The Volunteer Friendly Award (VFA) is a simple, user-friendly quality standard designed to support, recognise and reward groups in Scotland who involve volunteers. It is designed to help organisations and groups develop and follow best practice techniques when it comes to recruiting, utilising and supporting volunteers.
There is now a cost for some groups and organisations to take part, based on annual income.
Check out our VFA information page (linked) and learn about how we can support you through the process, or read about some of the groups who have recently received their accreditation:
Resource Library – Volunteering
Our Resource Library links to useful templates and guides detailing important information when setting up or managing a volunteer programme within a third sector organisation.
These have been created by our Volunteering team and are review marked and referenced in accordance with our quality management system.
Visit our Resource Library on Volunteering (linked) to access the different templates and resources we have available; we hope you find it useful, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any suggestions or need any further support.
Creating Volunteering Opportunities
Could your charity or organisation benefit from one-off, group volunteering support? Let us know!
With the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we are increasingly asked to signpost companies and staff members to volunteering opportunities that are suitable for groups to get involved with for one or two days.
Often activities include: a community clean-up or litter picking, food bank collections, fundraising events, space renovation, and more!
These volunteer opportunities can be anything that would benefit your organisation’s work.
If you could benefit from this sort of volunteering, please contact info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk for support – including promoting your opportunities!
