Changes to PVG (August 2020)
The following information is for Branches and Linked Centres only.
If you are a coach or volunteer and you need to contact your Branch/Centre directly and they will advise on how to obtain your PVG check.
CEO Update 14/08/2020
The covid-19 lockdown has provided the opportunity to review our offering and strive for improvement for our network of volunteers. PVG is one such area which could be better delivered by external organisations who are able to provide effective and efficient service. We have been in contact with several companies to identify how and with whom this can be achieved.
Due to priority going to processing applications for key workers, applications have been on hold since March 2020. We realise that this may be a backlog for branches/centres, but we will be contacting branches/centres to encourage them to reapply following the transition we explain in more detail below.
Branches:
HorseScotland is the organisation we have identified who can process applications for Pony Club Branches. As a voluntary organisation themselves, they can process applications on behalf of other voluntary organisations enabling branches to take advantage of the free charge for volunteer applications.
Centres:
Disclosure Services can offer the PVG service for Linked Centres through electronic applications. Disclosure Services also offer application processing to Centres in England and Wales.
This changeover will take immediate effect and The Pony Club will cease with the PVG process. For more information on what you need to do next, please see the sections below.
What is PVG?
What are PVG checks?
Disclosure checks in Scotland are referred to as Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks. PVG is a membership scheme which ensures that people who are barred from working with certain vulnerable groups (children or adults at risk) are not able to do so.
There are three types of Scheme Records (i.e. criminal record checks) available: scheme record, scheme record update and scheme membership statement. The Children’s and Adults’ Barring List can also be inclusive on a criminal record check for those who carry out roles with children and/or adults at risk (please refer to regulated work for more information). The amount of detail provided on disclosure certificates vary depending on the level of check required.
What do I need for The Pony Club?
For the purposes of The Pony Club, staff and volunteers are required to have an enhanced check with child workforce for the branch/centre they work for.
Frequently Asked Questions: PVG (Scotland)
This section is designed to provide further information for Branches and Centres with processing applications for their workforce. Please contact your branch/centre if you need to renew your PVG certificate.
Q: Why has The Pony Club stopped processing applications centrally?
The covid-19 lockdown has provided the opportunity to review our offering and strive for improvement for our network of volunteers. PVG is one such area which could be better delivered by external organisations who are able to provide effective and efficient service.
Q: When does this transition take effect?
This transition will take immediate effect. Branches and Centres are encouraged to contact the new provider to get up and running with this.
Q: How do we obtain PVG checks going forwards?
Disclosure Scotland, who have overall responsibility for the PVG Scheme, have recently launched electronic applications. This will help to quicken the pace and streamline the procedure with completing applications and receiving results.
Q: Who do we register with and what are their contact details?
Branches should register with HorseScotland
E: info@horsescotland.org T: 07815 962964 (Fiona Rawson)
Centres should register with Disclosure Services.
E: info@disclosureservices.com T: 01978 510100
Q: How do we register our Branch/Centre?
Branches should follow the flowchart ‘How do I register?’ available in the Downloads section.
Centres should complete the ‘New Customer Enquiry Form’ on Disclosure Services website.
Q: Where can we find the registration documents?
Registration documents are available with the respective organisation. These can also be downloaded from The Pony Club website. The documents include: ‘Secondary Body Contract’ and ‘ID Checkers Guidance’.
Q: What is the process for PVG applications now?
The process depends on the organisation you are registered with. Check with your registered body as to the process that should be followed.
Q: What will happen with the applications we submitted during covid-19 restrictions?
Due to a period of staff furlough and priority going to processing applications for key workers, we have put processing on hold since March 2020. We realise that this may be a backlog for branches/centres, but we will be contacting branches/centres to encourage them to reapply following the transition.
