LEGALISATION to “simplify and modernise” the disclosure system in Scotland has been introduced at the Scottish Parliament.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Bill would seek to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable people, while simplifying the system of applying for criminal record checks.
If passed, it would make the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme mandatory for anyone working with children and vulnerable people, such as sports coaches.
It would also end lifetime membership of the PVG scheme by replacing it with a renewable five-year membership.
Automatic disclosure of minor criminal offences committed as a young person would also be decided on a case-by-case basis.
The number of checks available would also be cut from 10 to four in an effort to simplify the system.
Children’s Minister Maree Todd said the changes would help to speed up employment checks while protecting vulnerable groups.
“This Bill will deliver a fairer disclosure regime that protects our most vulnerable, is simpler for employers and less invasive for the majority of users,” said Todd.
“It will also simplify and modernise our disclosure system with applications being made online.”
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