Improving protection for vulnerable people
Wednesday 09 July 2008
A new vetting and barring scheme to strengthen protection for children and protected adults from those who would do them harm is to be implemented under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act.
Secondary legislation is required to deliver the new system that will check that those who work with and care for vulnerable groups are not unsuitable.
The Scottish Government is listening to views as it shapes better safeguards for children and other vulnerable groups, Children's Minister Adam Ingram has said. He was speaking following the publication of an analysis of almost 200 responses to a consultation on the PVG scheme.
Mr 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.
The scheme - which aims to reduce bureaucracy, streamline the disclosure process and deliver a fair and consistent system that will be easy for people to understand and use - will cover those in either paid employment or voluntary work.