Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme

What is it?
A new system of criminal records checks for people who work, or volunteer with children aged under 18 or vulnerable adults. It came into force on 28th February 2011 and applies only in Scotland.

Why do I need to know about it?
The system applies if your business is in the healthcare, or education sectors, or if you work in a trade (for example decorating, plumbing, maintenance) and regularly work on school or care premises.

This means that the system might apply to your business even if you have never needed to do criminal records checks on your staff in the past.

Will I be breaking the law if I get this wrong?
Employers may commit the following offences if they do not take their responsibilities seriously:

• Offering regulated work to someone who is barred
• Failing to remove a person from regulated work if the employer has been notified that the person is barred
• Failing to notify the barring authority (Disclosure Scotland) if an individual doing regulated work causes harm to a child or protected adult.

What do I need to do?

• Check whether any job roles within your business count as "regulated work"
• If so, you’ll need to either apply to become a "registered body" with Disclosure Scotland or use the services of an organisation that will do this for you – called an "umbrella body"
• Ensure that any new and future recruits into these job roles are PVG scheme members and that their PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update is satisfactory
• Put in place proper procedures to ensure Disclosure Scotland is informed if individuals cause harm
• Ensure your managers understand the new rules.

How can NatWest Mentor help?
NatWest Mentor can help you understand whether the PVG scheme applies to job roles within your business.  We can also help with the policies and procedures you will need to put in place if the scheme does apply, including how to comply with your obligations under equal opportunities law and guidance and documentation on recruitment.

You can listen to the recording of our PVG Webinar by clicking here or by calling 0800 358 1860 using access code: 890336.

Should you require any additional information on the scheme and how it could affect your business please contact us on 0800 634 7001 or click here to email us.