6th January 2025

Volunteer Scotland Statement: PVG Fees and Discounts Consultation Analysis Report

On the 3rd January, the Scottish Government published it’s report analysing responses to the PVG fees and discounting consultation undertaken in the first half of 2024. This report reinforces our belief that the decision to replace the current fee waiver for volunteers in QVOs with a fee discount is completely untenable. We again urge the government not to proceed down this path.

The report demonstrates that the proposed introduction of a discounted PVG fee for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations (QVOs) would be both widely unpopular and significantly detrimental for Scotland’s third sector and the people it supports. There was overwhelming opposition from the 1200 respondents, with over 75% saying that they did not agree with the proposal. Indeed, there was further reported evidence that some of those respondents expressing support for the proposal had perhaps misunderstood the question, and later indicated a preference for keeping the full fee waiver.

Respondents further emphasised the significant contribution made by volunteers in regulated roles and expressed concerns that such a move would lead to reduced services for vulnerable groups. There were also concerns raised that the proposal would contribute to a further downwards trend in volunteer participation. Since the consultation concluded, the Scottish Household Survey results for 2023 have shown a further four percentage point decline in formal volunteer participation since 2022, from 22% to 18%, thus making the situation even more acute.

The report concluded that:

‘There was a high level of opposition to the proposal to move from a full fee waiver to a discount for volunteers in Qualifying Voluntary Organisations. This reflects a high level of response and interest from volunteer involved organisations ensuring their views were heard in the consultation and engagement process. The current pressures on charity budgets and increasing costs across the board were raised. It was generally viewed that the proposal risked undermining the Volunteering Action Plan and work to improve access to formal volunteering.’

This conclusion reflects the findings detailed in our own response to the consultation.

Findings from the report also highlight concerns regarding some of the other proposals detailed in the consultation with regards to volunteers. In particular, there was concern at the practical implementation and potential administrative burden regarding proposals related to new fee discounts for people in receipt of certain benefits and for care experienced young people. Some also raised concerns that the proposals required applicants to disclose sensitive personal information, which could act as a barrier to participation rather than an incentive. These points were also reflected in our own response to the consultation.

We extend our gratitude to all the volunteers and volunteer involving organisations who took the time to respond to such an important consultation. While we await confirmation of the government’s final decision, we are hopeful that this report will provide the evidence needed to halt this proposal once and for all.