Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme
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The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVGS) is a service offered by Disclosure Scotland to enable organisations in the public, private and Voluntary sectors to make more informed decisions when recruiting for regulated work involving vulnerable people.{{Cite web |title=Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme |url=https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.mygov.scot |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme |url=https://www.youthscotland.org.uk/essential/youth-work-essentials-protecting-vulnerable-groups-pvg-scheme/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Youth Scotland |language=en-GB}} It achieves this by analysing individuals criminal records.{{Cite web |title=What is the PVG Scheme in Scotland? |url=https://www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/blog/hsc-what-is-the-pvg-scheme-in-scotland/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.theaccessgroup.com |language=en}}
It is similar to the Disclosure and Baring Service in England and Wales.
Process
There are 4 different types of disclosure record available under the PVGS:
- Scheme record (for new joiners to the scheme)
- Existing scheme record (for those already with the scheme who want to work with a different vulnerable group)
- Scheme record group (for those already with the scheme who are joining a new organisation but working with the same vulnerable group)
- Scheme membership statement (for those employing others to partake in regular work, or self employed individuals partaking in regulated work){{Cite web |title=The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme |url=http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/work/disclosure-and-the-pvg-scheme1/the-protecting-vulnerable-groups-pvg-scheme-s/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.citizensadvice.org.uk |language=en-SCT}}
A PVGS member's certificate only shows information available on the date of the check, however the scheme continuously monitors individuals, receiving updates through Disclosure Scotland whenever a scheme member is convicted of an offence.
It is, however, advised that organisations should seek updates on their staff's PVGS membership status every three years.{{Cite web |title=PVG |url=https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/guidance/pvg |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=www.careinspectorate.com}}
History
The PVGS was introduced in response to the Bichard report which was undertaken after the Soham murders in 2002.{{Cite web |last=Government |first=Scottish |date=July 2011 |title=Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and Self Directed Support |url=https://hub.careinspectorate.com/media/2545/sg-information-on-pvg-and-sds-1.pdf |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Care Inspectorate}} As recommended by the report the scheme involves continuous updating into its checks. It came into full force in February 2011.{{Cite web |title=Protection of vulnerable groups scheme Information – Adult Protection |url=https://www.adultprotectionsouthlanarkshire.org.uk/info/45/protection_of_vulnerable_groups_scheme |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.adultprotectionsouthlanarkshire.org.uk}}
== References ==
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