Maree Todd

The Disclosure (Scotland) Bill will make the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme mandatory for anyone working with children and vulnerable people, such as sports coaches.

It will end lifetime membership of the PVG scheme, replacing it with a renewable five-year membership. It will also end the automatic disclosures of minor criminal offences committed as a young person, with decisions to be taken on a case by case basis.

To simplify the disclosure system, the number of different checks available will be cut from ten to four.

Children minister Maree Todd said: “This bill will deliver a fairer disclosure regime that protects our most vulnerable, is simpler for employers and less invasive for the majority of users.

“Mandatory registration for people carrying out regulated roles with children and protected adults is essential, but we will also ensure that people with minor convictions – particularly crimes committed under the age of 18 – have a better chance to move on and make a contribution to society.

“It will also simplify and modernise our disclosure system with applications being made online. This will speed up employment checks and reduce the burden on employers and applicants, while ensuring vulnerable groups receive the best possible protection.”