Review of disclosure law

Proposals which would require all sports coaches working with children and other vulnerable groups to undergo mandatory disclosure checks have been outlined.

Disclosure Scotland published a consultation to review Scotland’s disclosure regime, including the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which covers those working with children and the vulnerable.

Proposals include:

• Simplifying the disclosure system
• Making membership of the PVG scheme mandatory for those in sensitive roles
• Making PVG membership time‑limited
• Making the disclosure system respond better to young people’s circumstances
• Using digital technology to better and more efficiently meet customer needs

The consultation will run for 12 weeks.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd said:

“We have a duty to make Scotland a fair and safe society, supporting people into work, protecting children and those in receipt of medical or care services.

“Establishing the PVG scheme in 2011, the Scottish Parliament created a forward-thinking disclosure regime to balance safeguarding individual rights with respect for their private life.

“These new proposals will allow Disclosure Scotland to improve its services to customers, simplifying and modernising our disclosure system so that it’s fit for a digital future, whilst continuing to ensure people receive the best possible protection.

“I encourage all organisations and individuals who are involved with disclosure to give us their feedback.”

The full consultation is available on the Scottish Government’s website.