30th May 2024
The Scottish Government and Disclosure Scotland recently consulted on potential changes to fees for disclosure applications and Protection of Vulnerable Group Scheme membership. You can find a link to the consultation document and read Connect's summary here.
We are deeply concerned about the proposals to move from a fee waiver to a fee discount for PVGs for volunteers of qualifying voluntary organisations (QVOs). This would have a severe impact on voluntary parent groups in schools and activity clubs who carry out activities with roles which require PVG scheme membership and currently qualify for a fee waiver. We believe this would add barriers when parent groups already face significant challenges in recruiting volunteers. With PVG membership becoming mandatory for regulated roles and with an additional cost, parent groups may decide that they can no longer afford to carry out these activities, thus diminishing the opportunities for children and young people.
You can read Connect's full response here.