Last year, the Scottish Government consulted on changes to fees and discounts for Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme members. This included a proposal to replace the current fee waiver for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs) with a discounted fee. On Monday 27th January, Disclosure Scotland announced that this proposal will not go ahead, and the current fee waiver for volunteers will be retained.
Announcing the decision, Disclosure Scotland said:
“Following our public consultation on fee waivers and discounts, we are delighted to announce that we will continue to provide free Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership for Qualifying Voluntary Organisation (QVO) volunteers.
“This decision by Scottish Ministers recognises the vital role volunteers play in Scotland’s society with roles in care, health, sports, community and children’s recreational activities.”
Volunteer Scotland welcomed the decision, describing it as the best possible outcome during these challenging times for the third sector. Volunteering numbers have declined significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, while many organisations face rising costs, increasing demand, and stagnant income. Introducing a PVG fee for volunteers, even at a discount, would have caused significant harm.
In response to the consultation, Volunteer Scotland highlighted these challenges, reflecting the views of the wider volunteering sector. One stakeholder referred to the proposed change as a “tax on volunteering,” and many others warned of the detrimental impact it 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.”
Volunteer Scotland and Disclosure Services will continue to support the implementation of changes under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, with the first updates starting in April 2025. For more information, visit the Disclosure Services webpage.