Scottish Government to Continue PVG Fee Waiver for Volunteers

In a major boost to the voluntary sector, the Scottish Government will continue to provide free Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership to volunteers following a public consultation on fee waivers and discount.

This decision by Scottish Ministers recognises the vital role volunteers play in Scotland’s society with roles in care, health, sports, community and children’s recreational activities.

Membership of the PVG scheme provides assurance to employers and the public that a person can work safely with children and protected adults. By continuing with the fee waiver, volunteers and charities can continue to consider new opportunities by accessing PVG membership without encountering any financial barriers in doing so.

For organisations, it will also provide many smaller charities a crucial lifeline in recruiting and retaining new staff and will help eliminate the barriers some people may face when applying for jobs because of affordability.

Disclosure fee levels remaining at current levels

As well as retaining the fee waiver for qualifying voluntary organisations, fees for the new Level 1 and Level 2 disclosure products will remain at their broadly equivalent levels in 2025.

The decision to retain existing disclosure fees was taken after balancing several factors, including affordability for customers – particularly those on the lowest incomes.

This decision intends to support organisations providing vital services to children and protected adults by maintaining disclosure fee levels at the broadly equivalent levels they have been at since 2011.

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