When will the PVG Scheme go live?
How will the PVG Scheme be phased in?
Where can I find guidance and training on the PVG Scheme?
Is there a telephone help line?
In the first year after go live, the PVG Scheme will be paper based. Does this mean that PVG Scheme records will not be updated continuously until the scheme goes on line?
Will it be possible to access online PVG Scheme accounts via the Central Registered Body in Scotland?
Will the PVG Scheme put people off volunteering if they have not had to undertake disclosure checks before?
What will be the process for checking that those who countersign checks are suitable to take on this role?
Is this similar to an identity card scheme?
When will the PVG Scheme go live?
The PVG Scheme is expected to go live on 28 February 2011.
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How will the PVG Scheme be phased in?
It expected to take four years to phase all of the vulnerable groups' workforce onto the PVG Scheme.
In the first year after the PVG Scheme goes live, Disclosure Scotland will deal primarily with scheme membership applications for people who:
· are new to regulated work with vulnerable groups;
· have changed posts or,
· have had some other change of circumstances requiring confirmation of scheme membership.
Disclosure Scotland recognises that some organisations for legislative, regulatory or operational reasons may have a requirement to bring some of their existing staff onto PVG Scheme membership ahead of the planned retrospective checking phase which will begin in year two. Where this is necessary or desirable, agreement will be reached on a case by case basis between Disclosure Scotland and the organisation.
Applications to join the scheme, in the first year will continue to be made and responded to on paper.
In the year after it goes live, secure on line PVG Scheme accounts will become available for PVG Scheme members and registered bodies. These will operate to similar levels of security used for on line banking and will allow for individuals the ability to update personal details and make on line applications. For registered bodies, they will allow all disclosure application types to be made on line, PVG Scheme Record Updates to be received electronically in real time, electronic financial statements and invoices to be received and for the organisation to update account details.
The Central Registered Body in Scotland will continue to process free checks for volunteers working in the qualifying voluntary sector and these will continue to be made and responded to on paper.
Shortly after the on-line system becomes available, it is expected that organisations will start to bring the rest of their workforce into membership of the PVG Scheme. The retrospective checking process is expected to take at least three years and will be planned and managed by Disclosure Scotland in partnership with groups and organisations to minimise the administrative burden.
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Where can I find guidance and training on the PVG Scheme?
A package of guidance and training materials has been published on the Disclosure Scotland website. The Central Registered Body in Scotland continues to provide advice, guidance and support to voluntary organisations.
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Is there a telephone help line available?
Yes. Both Disclosure Scotland and the Central Registered Body in Scotland operate PVG Scheme telephone help lines and email help desk facilities.
Disclosure Scotland:
Tel: 0870 609 6006
Email: pvg.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Central Registered Body in Scotland
Tel: 01786 849777
Email: PVG@crbs.org.uk
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In the first year after go live, the PVG Scheme will be paper based. Does this mean that PVG Scheme records will not be updated continuously until the scheme goes on line?
No. The continuous updating of PVG Scheme Records will begin from go live. It is only the applications and disclosures that will be paper based.
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Will it be possible to access online PVG Scheme accounts via the Central Registered Body in Scotland?
Organisations applying for PVG Scheme membership via the Central Registered Body in Scotland will continue to use a paper based system which is being streamlined to end the need for duplicate processing of information, decreasing turnaround time by at least two days. As a result of the network of local organisations involved in verifying identity and processing applications via CRBS, there are too many organisations involved to allow on line applications to operate securely.
Organisations wishing to use the online service will need to register with Disclosure Scotland and apply directly to them for PVG Scheme membership disclosures.
PVG Scheme membership for volunteers working with vulnerable groups in the qualifying voluntary sector will continue to be free whether applied for via the CRBS or direct from Disclosure Scotland.
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Will the PVG Scheme put people off volunteering if they have not had to undertake disclosure checks before?
The Scottish Government does not expect the PVG Scheme to deter volunteers. It will be quick and easy for people to use, with a particular benefit being that it reduces the need for people to complete a detailed application form every time a disclosure check is required. Checks for volunteers working with vulnerable groups in the qualifying voluntary sector will continue to be free.
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What will be the process for checking that those who countersign checks are suitable to take on this role?
This process will be the same as it is under the current disclosure system. To register with the PVG Scheme organisations are required to provide information to prove that they are legitimate and that they do have the legal right to access the type of disclosure they are applying for. In addition, each individual counter-signatory is checked against police records to determine suitability. These checks are reviewed regularly and anyone who becomes unsuitable will have their power to request disclosures withdrawn.
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Is this similar to an identity card scheme?
No. The PVG Scheme is not an identity card scheme - it does not prove identity and cannot be used for such purposes. Information held by Disclosure Scotland on scheme records relating to PVG Scheme members is simply a collation of vetting information already held on police computers. It is not new information and will be held, simply to speed up and improve upon the disclosure process for people who work with vulnerable groups and to ensure that those who have regular contact with children and protected adults through work do not have a known history of harmful behaviour.
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