29 Apr 2025
From 1st April 2025, the PVG scheme is now a legal requirement for any individual who is due to carry out a regulated role (paid or voluntary) with children, protected adults or both. The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 is now implemented and changes to disclosure services and PVG scheme membership are in effect.
Key changes under the Disclosure Act include:
Membership of the PVG scheme is now a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role.
A PVG must be in place before the role is taken up.
Regulated work’ has been replaced with ‘regulated roles’. This means that there are some roles in Archery that now require a PVG which didn’t before. This includes some Club Committees.
There is a 3-month grace period from the 1st April – 30th June for PVG scheme applications to be submitted for individuals who now require a PVG.
Simplified disclosure products and people having more control over their information.
An individualised approach to the disclosure of childhood offending and rights of review for convictions disclosed, to enhance fairness and proportionality.
The ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing.
Key changes at Scottish Archery
The most notable change to the PVG application process that applicant is now required to share their PVG results with us. We no longer have automatic access to PVG results. When the applicant receives their results there is a box to tick to “share their results with Scottish Archery.
Results not shared within 14 days will require a re-application
There is a new role of Club Committee – this is because a new activity of “control and influence” has been included within the legislation and covers those making operational and strategic decision which affect U18s.
Considerations for Applying for a PVG for Club Members
Consideration needs to be given to whether children or protected adults are incidental to the role being carried out.
This means that it needs to be part of the person’s normal duties in the Club. If a Club needs to consider the undernoted:
Does the Club target juniors in their advertising for the Club, ie family sessions, junior session, junior come and try events, soft archery for juniors?
Does the Club have a separate Junior Section?
Do juniors, who are not part of a separate junior section, get coached/instructed separately from the adults on a Club session?
If the club does the above, then PVGs are required. The roles which Scottish Archery have identified are:
Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer
Coach
Athlete Personnel Working with Children
Athlete Personnel Working with Adults at Risk (for those coaching/instructing without a formal Coaching qualification)
Volunteer Working with Children
Committee Member – this is a new role and Club Committees will require a PVG under the new legislation
If the Club does not have the above, and any juniors who attend are shooting with Adults, and no specific provision is made for them then this is incidental and no PVGs are required.
However, the role of Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer is required and they would require a PVG check.
Remember – no PVG, no start, no exception.
For advice and support please contact Jacqui Dunlop – admin@scottisharchery.org.uk