Created on: 24 Jan 2018 | Last modified: 06 Apr 2020
1.1 The following resolution was approved by the 2013 AGM:
"This AGM calls on Councils to interrogate Scottish Councils on their preparedness for the full introduction of the PVG system in Scotland."
1.2 The Committee sought information from Scottish Councils. A summary of the responses is appended (Appendix A).
2.1 The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act in 2007 led to the development of the PVG scheme from 28 February 2011. From that date PVG scheme membership is required for those who work with children or with protected adults.
A vetting check is undertaken and vetting information may include details on convictions, relevant non-conviction information, registration under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and civil orders (viz Risk of Sexual Harm Order, Sexual Offences Prevention Order, Notification Order and Foreign Travel Order).
If unsuitable, individuals are barred from working with children or adults and placed on one or both lists.
2.2 From October 2012 employers in Scotland commenced undertaking retrospective checks on current employees. There is a three year period for all employees who undertake regulated work to be scheme members.
2.3 Scheme membership costs £59. Once an employee has scheme membership but changes post or employer a scheme membership update is required. This costs £18. If an employer sought additional information following a scheme update an employer can request a Scheme Record for £41.
2.4 The Regulations which set out the requirement for retrospective checks was silent regarding scheme membership payment. While the Scottish Government waived fees for those undertaking voluntary work it was silent on payment for those in employment. This is a matter for each employer which requires to regulate certain staff.
2.5 From October 2015 any current teacher who does not become a PVG scheme member will face a statutory bar on employment and is likely to be fairly dismissed.
2.6 Arising from this the EIS will have to advise members who have hitherto withheld payment in certain Council areas to commence the process to secure scheme membership.
3.1 A summary of responses is appended.
3.2 It is understood that only 4 Scottish Councils are requiring Scheme membership payments from teachers. East Ayrshire and Falkirk Councils wish all teachers currently employed to pay. Clackmannan and Stirling Councils are asking those earning over £30,000 to pay, Scottish Borders has still not decided in January whether teachers will pay.
3.3 Only 4 Councils at October 2013 Scottish Borders, East Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire appears not to have commenced the PVG process for teachers. All others have progressed a phased programme.
3.4 The vast majority of Councils requires those who move internally (e.g. for promotion) to pay a PVG scheme membership or scheme update.
4.1 It is likely that the majority of Scottish Councils are in line to complete the retrospective checking of teachers by October 2015.
4.2 However, in some Council areas, the PVG process appears not to have commenced the process almost 15 months into the 36 month period.
4.3 In some Councils the rate of implementation has been delayed by the insistence of certain Councils that teachers should pay for checks.