The Scottish Government announced they would not go ahead with plans to replace the scheme. 

Representatives from Scotland’s voluntary sector have shared their relief after ministers confirmed that the government will retain a critical fee waiver for background checks. 

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will continue to provide free Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership to volunteers following a public consultation on fee waivers and discounts in 2024.

Last year the Scottish Government consulted on a range of proposals related to Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme members fees and discounts, including a proposal to replace the current fee waiver for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs) with a fee discount. 

Today Disclosure Scotland announced that this proposal will not go ahead and that the current fee waiver for volunteers will be retained.

Ministers say the decision recognises the vital role volunteers play in Scotland’s society with roles in care, health, sports, community and children’s recreational activities.

Membership of the PVG scheme provides assurance to employers and the public that a person can work safely with children and protected adults. 

By continuing with the fee waiver, volunteers and charities can continue to consider new opportunities by accessing PVG membership without encountering any financial barriers in doing so. 

For organisations, it will also provide many smaller charities a crucial lifeline in recruiting and retaining new staff and will help eliminate the barriers some people may face when applying for jobs because of affordability.

Chief executive of Disclosure Scotland, Gerard Hart, said: “Following our recent public consultation, we are delighted to announce the continuation of the PVG waiver dedicated solely to volunteers.

“Volunteers from all walks of life make an immense contribution in their local communities. They are often the unsung heroes of our society. By continuing to provide free PVG scheme membership, this will open up new avenues and equitable access for people looking for new careers and job opportunities, regardless of their background and financial means. 

“For charitable organisations, this scheme will give them a helping hand and also ensure that they can offer opportunities and harness Scotland’s voluntary talent.”

As well as retaining the Qualifying Voluntary Organisation fee waiver, fees for the new Level 1 and Level 2 disclosure products will remain at their broadly equivalent levels in 2025.

The government said the decision to retain existing disclosure fees was taken after balancing several factors, including affordability for customers - particularly those on the lowest incomes.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: "By extending the PVG waiver on checks for volunteers and also freezing prices, we are supporting Scotland’s vital voluntary sector. Volunteering in regulated roles helps society face some of our biggest challenges from supporting children through care and sports, to addressing social isolation and loneliness.

“Keeping disclosure fees for everyone at the same level they have been at since 2011 recognises our desire to continue to support organisations providing vital services to children and protected adults.” 

Those representing third sector and voluntary groups who would have been affected by the change said this was the best possible outcome. 

Volunteering participation has declined significantly in recent years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

In addition, many third sector organisations are facing a perfect storm of rising costs, rising demand for services and stagnating income. 

SCVO policy and public affairs officer, Jason Henderson, told TFN: “We welcome this afternoon's news that the Scottish Government has decided to scrap proposals to replace the PVG fee waiver with a fee discount. 

“The voluntary sector faces many challenges, including volunteering rates which are declining on an annual basis. It is, therefore, no surprise that the proposal was met with such backlash across the sector and we're grateful so many organisations voiced their opposition via the government's consultation process.

 “That said, the Scottish Government's common sense decision not to proceed with a proposal that would have dealt a severe blow to voluntary organisations is not, in itself, a "major boost" for our sector. 

“It is only through positive, tangible action, such as implementing SCVO's Fair Funding asks and ensuring a comprehensive, independent review of charity regulation, will the sector genuinely benefit from major boosts.”

The introduction of a PVG fee for volunteers, even a reduced one, would have been severely damaging for the sector, Volunteer Scotland said.

The organisation’s response to the consultation on these proposals, and a subsequent meeting with the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, highlighted these challenges and reflected views and experiences from the wider volunteering sector. 

One stakeholder referred to the proposed change as a “tax on volunteering”, and many more shared the detrimental impact that this proposal would have had on services supporting Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

Volunteer Scotland CEO, Alan Stevenson, said: “The Scottish Government has absolutely made the correct decision. The continuation of the PVG fee waiver ensures that more people can give their time as volunteers to support Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

 “This decision comes at a time when volunteers are never more needed and any additional levy, least afforded. I am extremely grateful to the many voluntary organisations who responded to the consultation and highlighted the negative impact that the proposed change would have for their organisations and volunteers.”