Introduction
Welcome to this essential guide for all clubs and coaches affiliated with Club Sport Aberdeen. This document provides a quick reference to critical information and resources concerning child wellbeing, protection, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) membership, and anti-doping regulations in sport in Scotland. Ensuring the safety, welfare, and fair play of all participants, especially children and young people, is paramount.
1. Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport (CWPS) CoursesThese courses are designed to equip coaches, club officials, and volunteers with the knowledge and skills to understand their responsibilities in safeguarding children and young people in sport. They cover topics such as identifying concerns, reporting procedures, and creating safe environments.
Course Provider:
Delivered by Children 1st, often in partnership with local authorities and sports governing bodies.Useful Links for Finding Courses:
2. Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) Courses
The CWPO course is a more in-depth training designed for individuals who will take on the role of Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (formerly Child Protection Officer) within a club or organisation. This role is crucial for ensuring the club meets its safeguarding responsibilities.
Course Provider:
Delivered by Children 1st.Useful Links for Finding Courses:
3. PVG - Who Needs One?
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is managed by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure that people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults do not do so. Clubs should also be aware that there have been recent legislative changes impacting the PVG scheme, so it's important to stay updated.
Who typically needs a PVG?Individuals who are involved in regulated work with children or protected adults. This includes:
- Volunteers who have direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, particularly if they are unsupervised.
- Anyone in a position of trust or regular contact with children or protected adults within a sport setting.
It is the responsibility of the club or organisation to determine which roles require PVG membership, guided by the specific activities undertaken and the level of contact with vulnerable groups.
Useful Links:
- Disclosure Scotland - PVG Scheme:
https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme
https://sportscotland.org.uk/sport-for-life/pvg/4. PVG - ProcessingThe process of obtaining or updating PVG membership involves several steps, usually initiated by the organisation (e.g., the sports club) that requires the individual to be PVG checked.
General Steps:
1. Organisation initiates: The club or sports body provides the individual with an application form.
2. Applicant completes: The individual completes their part of the form, providing personal details.
3. Organisation countersigns & submits: The club verifies identity documents and submits the application to Disclosure Scotland.
4. Disclosure Scotland processes: Disclosure Scotland carries out checks against police records and other relevant information.
5. Certificate issued: A PVG certificate is issued to the applicant, and a copy is also sent to the organisation that submitted the application.
Clubs should have a designated person responsible for managing PVG applications and renewals, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Useful Links:
- Disclosure Scotland - Apply for PVG:
https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-pvg
- Disclosure Scotland Guidance (various forms and guides):
https://www.mygov.scot/disclosure-forms-guidance More detailed information on welfare and protection can be downloaded here
