No change to PVG Scheme despite England and Wales review

Ian Mclaughlan, SPPA's Chief Executive, has welcomed the news that the implementation of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) in Scotland, will not be affected by the decision taken to put a hold on the Vetting and Barring Scheme in England and Wales, which is currently being reviewed and may be scaled back.

Ian commented, 'The news that the Scottish Government is proceeding as planned to implement the PVG Scheme, is good news indeed. The Scheme, which has been the subject of extensive consultation and significant financial investment in Scotland, will help to minimise bureaucracy and will embed proportionality, without compromising the need for robust regulation that helps to safeguard children from individuals who wish them harm.'

The PVG Scheme will be phased in over a four year period, to ensure that the administrative burden on groups and organisations that work with vulnerable groups is minimised. It is expected to commence at the end of 2010. The exact date has yet to be announced by Scottish Ministers.