Regulated work
The PVG Scheme is concerned with those individuals undertaking regulated work with children or protected adults. Generally, a university is not considered to be an establishment where regulated work occurs routinely. There are however activities that may be considered to be regulated work, such as those that provide advice or guidance related to physical or emotional well-being, education or training. If an individual is refused entry to the PVG Scheme it is an offence for them to undertake regulated work.
PVG Scheme and Strathclyde
Recruiting managers should use the PVG Scheme Self-Assessment Tool as part of the Approval to Appoint (ATA) process for all new recruitment activity to establish whether the vacancy is considered to be undertaking regulated work. The tool will either state:
- From the information that you have provided, it appears that you may not be doing regulated work.
or
- From the information that you have provided, it appears that you may be doing regulated work.
If the indication is that regulated work may be involved, the successful candidate will be asked to join the scheme if not already a member before commencing employment. If the candidate is unable to confirm their membership by the date of the employment they will either not be able to work or, if the duties of the post allows, temporarily work on duties that do not involve working with vulnerable groups.
The University will continue to ask for a Basic or Standard Disclosure Certificate for those posts which are not appropriate for PVG check but require some level of criminal record check for example for cash handling or specific financial roles.
Below is the University Policy and Procedure for Protecting Vulnerable Groups
Please contact your HR rep if you would like to discuss further or have any questions about how the scheme applies to you or members of your team.
Background
From 28 February 2011, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme replaced the current Enhanced Disclosure checks arrangements for those working with children or protected adults.
The PVG Scheme was established by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and is managed by Disclosure Scotland.
The PVG Scheme differs from the current Disclosure Scheme as the individual becomes a member of the scheme. If they change employer they do not require going through the process again. The new employer can obtain a scheme update and register an interest in the person.
Further information
Further information is available from the Disclosure Scotland website.