Letter: Protection rules

I am responding to the misleading claims made by the Scottish Parent Teacher Council regarding the introduction of the protection of vulnerable groups (PVG) scheme (your report, 25 October).

In each of the four cases outlined, it is unlikely that any of these scenarios would require individuals to become members of the scheme.

As head of CRBS, a service which provides free disclosure checks to voluntary organisations, I wanted to voice our full support for the PVG scheme and the improvements it will bring to disclosure arrangements.

Voluntary organisations need a system which is easy to complete, given resource restraints, but which gives them confidence in the appropriateness of those volunteering on their behalf.

The simplified processes will make it easier for volunteers who become scheme members to move between different volunteering opportunities without having to re-complete the whole process, as is the case with the current system.

For voluntary organisations, this will enhance the flexibility of volunteers by simplifying and speeding up the whole process.

In preparation for the commencement of the scheme, we are offering training and support to ensure all voluntary organisations are aware of it, what it involves and the benefits it provides.

Linda Irvine

Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS)

Forthside Way

Stirling