Volunteers will continue to receive free membership to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, after proposals that would see Scotland introduce fees for voluntary organisations for the first time received widespread backlash.

The Scottish government says its decision following public consultation reflects its recognition of the vital role volunteers play in Scottish society.

The chief executive of the organisation which manages the scheme, Disclosure Scotland, said he was “delighted” to announce the continuation of a fee waiver.

Gerard Hart said:

“Volunteers from all walks of life make an immense contribution in their local communities.

“They are often the unsung heroes of our society.

“By continuing to provide free PVG scheme membership, this will open new avenues and equitable access for people looking for new careers and job opportunities, regardless of their background and financial means.   

“For charitable organisations, this scheme will give them a helping hand and ensure that they can offer opportunities and harness Scotland’s voluntary talent.” 

The proposal to remove a fee waiver for all volunteers who need a PVG – many of whom work across health and care – was met by pushback from the third sector, which highlighted the “profound impact” organisations already under financial pressure would experience.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations policy and public affairs officer, Jason Henderson, told healthandcare.scot:

“We welcome the news that the Scottish government has decided to scrap proposals to replace the PVG fee waiver with a fee discount.

“The voluntary sector faces many challenges, including volunteering rates which are declining on an annual basis.

“It is, therefore, no surprise that the proposal was met with such backlash across the sector and we’re grateful so many organisations voiced their opposition via the government’s consultation process.

“That said, the Scottish government’s common-sense decision not to proceed with a proposal that would have dealt a severe blow to voluntary organisations is not, in itself, a “major boost” for our sector.”

He said “positive, tangible actions”, include implementing fairer funding for the voluntary sector and delivering a comprehensive, independent review of charity regulation is still needed.

Voluntary Health Scotland has also welcomed the news.

Its chief executive Tejesh Mistry told healthandcare.scot that keeping the fee waiver for voluntary organisations means potential health and care volunteers will not be faced with additional barriers to their work:

“Breaking down barriers to volunteering is crucial for our members and the valuable services they deliver. This is why Voluntary Health Scotland advocated strongly to keeping a fee waiver in place.

“It’s important to have been heard at a challenging time for voluntary sector organisations.

“Scotland’s third sector plays a vital role in health, and it’s time that contribution is fully recognised and acknowledged as a key part of the health service.”

Volunteer Scotland CEO, Alan Stevenson, said the government has “absolutely made the correct decision”, ensuring more people can give their time as volunteers to support Scotland’s most vulnerable.

He added that the decision comes at a time when volunteers have never been more needed.

As well as retaining the fee waiver, fees for other organisations newly joining the PVG scheme will remain broadly equivalent to previous years.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: 

“Volunteering in regulated roles helps society face some of our biggest challenges from supporting children through care and sports, to addressing social isolation and loneliness.

“Keeping disclosure fees for everyone at the same level they have been at since 2011 recognises our desire to continue to support organisations providing vital services to children and protected adults.”

Read more: Partnership working for Scotland’s population health; Pushback against ‘tax on volunteering’; Smashing stigma to save lives in Scotland; ‘Unprecedented’ crisis in community health and care; Youth mental health pilot looks to the future; Voluntary health and care: a sector in crisis?