27th January 2025
Relief as PVG fee waiver for volunteers is retained
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.
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 are very relieved that the Scottish Government has decided not to proceed with the proposal to remove the fee waiver for volunteers in QVOs.
This is the best possible outcome given the current challenges facing volunteers and the third sector. 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. The introduction of a PVG fee for volunteers, even a reduced one, would have been severely damaging for the sector.
In our response to the consultation on these proposals, and in a subsequent meeting with the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, we 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, stated that:
“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.”
Together with our colleagues in Disclosure Services, we will continue to support the implementation of upcoming changes resulting from the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. The first of these changes are due to commence in April 2025. Visit the Disclosure Services webpage for more information.