Sports coaches to have background checks under proposed changes to the disclosure scheme

Children with toys - Image credit: PA Images

Sports coaches may have to go through disclosure checks to work with children and other vulnerable groups, under new proposals to revamp Scotland’s children protection rules.

Disclosure Scotland has launched a consultation on updates to Scotland’s disclosure regime, including the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which covers those working with children and protected adults.

Its proposals for changes include simplifying the disclosure system, making membership of the PVG scheme compulsory for those working or volunteering in roles with children and vulnerable adults, as well as making PVG membership time limited.

It also looks at which types of spent criminal convictions will have to be disclosed and proposes reducing the time that convictions have to be recorded.

Launching the consultation, Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd said: “We have a duty to make Scotland a fair and safe society, supporting people into work, protecting children and those in receipt of medical or care services.

“Establishing the PVG scheme in 2011, the Scottish Parliament created a forward-thinking disclosure regime to balance safeguarding individual rights to respect for their private life.

“These new proposals will allow Disclosure Scotland to improve its services to customers, simplifying and modernising our disclosure system so that it is fit for a digital future, whilst continuing to ensure people receive the best possible protection.

“I encourage all organisations and individuals who are involved with disclosure to give us their feedback.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until 18 July.