The current disclosure system and PVG scheme comprise a complicated approach to disclosure – one that has been gradually amended over many years.
Proposed reforms in the Disclosure (Scotland) Bill are designed to achieve a more proportionate and individualised process. One that balances safeguarding the public with the rights of individuals 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 around the challenges these proposals pose to the volunteering population, whether they adequately allow people to move on from previous offences, and if they remove the barriers that the system can currently create for Care Experienced people with a criminal record.
Join us on 5th May as we examine what recent and forthcoming developments around disclosure will mean for individuals and vulnerable groups – and explore how it will impact your work and organisation.
09:30 Registration and Refreshments
09:55 Welcome from the Chair
Session 1: Balancing Public Protection and Individual Rights – Policy Landscape and Context for Reform
- Context for reform and closing potential safeguarding gaps
- Update on the Disclosure (Scotland) Bill and how the proposed package of legislation, including other Acts, 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, Director of Policy and Protection, Disclosure Scotland
10:50 Tina Campbell, National Safeguarding Coordinator, Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service
11:10 Questions and Discussion
11:20 Refreshments and Networking
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
11:40 Senior Speaker
12:00 Church of Scotland Perspective
Julie Main, Safeguarding Service Manager, Church of Scotland
Rev. Adam Dillon, Convener of Safeguarding Committee, Church of Scotland
12:20 Questions and Discussion
12:30 Lunch and Networking
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
13:15 Interactive Discussions
Delegates will be divided into small groups to discuss what can be learned from the morning presentations for your own work and organisation. This is an opportunity to begin to think about the implementation of the proposed changes to the disclosure system, the associated challenges, and how these might be overcome.
14:00 Speaker tbc, MCR Pathways
14:20 Senior Speaker, Justice Reform
14:40 Questions and Discussion
14:50 Chair's Closing Remarks
15:00 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.
Rates
Reduced Rate
1 place: £145+VAT
Voluntary/charitable organisations with an annual income of less than £1m
Standard Rate
1 place: £245+ VAT | 2+ places: £195+ VAT per place
Public sector organisations and voluntary/charitable organisations with an annual income over £1m
Private Sector Rate
1 place £295+VAT | 2+ places £245+ VAT per place
Commercial organisations e.g. plc, Ltd, LLP