Scotland's criminal disclosure system and PVG scheme comprise a complicated approach to disclosure that has been gradually amended over many years.
Forthcoming reforms to the Disclosure (Scotland) Bill have been designed to achieve a proportionate and individualised process that balances safeguarding the public with the rights of the individual to move on from previous offending behaviour. The Bill is part of a wider package of reforms and builds on recent legislation around the management of offenders and the age of criminal responsibility.
But there are concerns over whether these reforms are adequate to allow people to move on from previous offenses, and whether they remove the barriers that the system can currently create for Care Experienced people with a criminal record.
Join us on 3rd November as we examine what developments around disclosure will mean for individuals and vulnerable groups – and explore how it will impact your work and organisation.
09:55 Welcome from the Chair
Andrew Alexander, Head of Policy, The Law Society of Scotland
Session 1: Balancing Public Protection and Individual Rights – Policy Landscape and Context for Reform
- Context for reform and closing potential safeguarding gaps
- Overview of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act and how the legislation and other relevant laws will work together
- The new approach by Disclosure Scotland in promoting fairer and more proportionate use of disclosure information
10:00 Keynote Address
Daniel Johnson MSP, Deputy Convener, Education and Skills Committee
10:15 Questions and Discussion
10:30 Disclosure For The Next Decade
Gerard Hart, Interim Chief Executive, Disclosure Scotland
10:50 Tina Campbell, National Safeguarding Coordinator, Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service
11:10 Questions and Discussion
11:20 Break
Session 2: Simplifying the Disclosure System – Challenges and Good Practice
- Simplifying the disclosure system and ensuring it is user-friendly for both organisations and individuals
- Exploring concerns around the impact of the proposals on volunteers
- How reform to disclosure will impact your organisation and what support charities and employers need for implementation
11:30 Church of Scotland Perspective
Julie Main, Safeguarding Service Manager, Church of Scotland
Rev. Adam Dillon, Convener of Safeguarding Committee, Church of Scotland
12:00 Questions and Discussion
Session 3: Making Scotland Safer and Fairer – Next Steps
- Empowering individuals with greater control over their disclosure data
- Towards a disclosure system that does not disproportionately disadvantage children and young people who have been involved in childhood offending
- Striking the right balance between the protection of the public and individual rights
12:10 Graeme McEwan, Chief Executive, MCR Pathways
12:30 Niven Rennie, Director, Scottish Violence Reduction Unit
12:45 Callum Hutchison, Devlopment Officer, BHI (Affiliated with Scottish Violence Reduction Unit)
13:00 Questions and Discussion
13:20 Chair's Closing Remarks
Andrew Alexander, Head of Policy, The Law Society of Scotland
13:30 Close of Event
*Please note that all speakers and the agenda are subject to change without notice.
Book now or email or call Adam on 0131 285 1692
If you have an inspiring case study or a project that you think is relevant, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always on the lookout for new speakers.