PVG Consultation – share your views

The Scottish Government is currently running a consultation around upcoming changes to fee structures under The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, including the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

RYA Scotland, as well as many other Sport Governing Bodies, have submitted a response to this ongoing consultation.

In order to make sure any concerns are heard, we are encouraging members of the wider boating community whom changes may affect to do the same – including the many volunteers requiring a PVG to operate at sailing clubs, centres, and organisations across Scotland. 

Currently, lots of volunteers operating in the sporting sector are able to access free PVG checks. Proposed changes would however see an increase in cost for many who are required to become a member of the PVG scheme. 

We understand this may be worrying for clubs and centres which rely on volunteers to deliver their sailing, windsurfing and boating offering.

As RYA Scotland, we are sharing our response in the hope of helping those in the wider community to complete the consultation as well. 

RYA Scotland Consultation Response

We recognise the importance of sport in supporting physical and mental health & wellbeing, and so are eager to see existing structures which offer free PVG scheme membership retained rather than compromised or changed as currently proposed. 

Similarly, with safety such an integral element of sport – we feel any cost rises which may make PVG checks less accessible for volunteers could pose a potential risk.

For more information on how fee structures are set out to change, please see a useful briefing document created specifically with the sports sector in mind. This briefing contains some background context, and details as to exact cost. 

Additionally, for information on the consultation itself, Disclosure Scotland have provided some guidance over on YouTube. 

If you’re ready to share your thoughts, then make sure to fill out the consultation by the 28th of May.