Bill extends and simplifies Disclosure Scotland regime
Measures to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable people, while simplifying the system of applying for criminal record checks, have been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Bill, which responds to an extensive review and public consultation, will make the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme mandatory for anyone working with children and vulnerable people, such as sports coaches.
It will end lifetime membership of the scheme, replacing it with a renewable five-year membership. It will also end the automatic disclosures of minor criminal offences committed as a young person, with decisions to be taken on a case by case basis.
To simplify the disclosure system, the number of different checks available will be cut from 10 to four.
Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd commented: “This Bill will deliver a fairer disclosure regime that protects our most vulnerable, is simpler for employers and less invasive for the majority of users.
“Mandatory registration for people carrying out regulated roles with children and protected adults is essential, but we will also ensure that people with minor convictions – particularly crimes committed under the age of 18 – have a better chance to move on and make a contribution to society.
“It will also simplify and modernise our disclosure system with applications being made online. This will speed up employment checks and reduce the burden on employers and applicants, while ensuring vulnerable groups receive the best possible protection.”