The new scheme which will be implemented under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PGV) (Scotland) Act through secondary legislation, will ensure that those working with and caring for vulnerable people are not unsuitable.  It will check people doing both paid and voluntary work.   

The vetting system is designed to reduce bureaucracy, streamline the disclosure process and deliver a fairer, clearer and more consistent system.  It follows a consultation on the PGV Act, the responses to which were published today.  A full response to the consultation outcomes from Ministers is expected in autumn. 

Announcing plans for the new system, Children’s Minister Adam Ingram said:

"We all have a duty to protect our most vulnerable people and must ensure safeguards are in place for those at risk. That's why we are driving forward with a dependable, robust and strengthened vetting and barring scheme.

"It is vital that we make sure people who are unsuitable do not gain access to children or protected adults through work, either paid or unpaid, and that those who become unsuitable are detected early and prevented from continuing to work.

"We want to deliver a streamlined system which strikes the right balance between the proportionate protection of vulnerable groups and the need to ensure the privacy rights of individuals are not unduly compromised.

"Stimulating discussion and listening to views will help us find the best way forward collectively and we will carefully consider this detailed analysis to help us reduce the risks to some of the most vulnerable people in our society."