The PVG Scheme requires organisations and clubs to make referrals to the Protection Unit at Disclosure Scotland in certain circumstances. If a club permanently removes someone from regulated work you need to decide if the reason(s) they were removed mean the club and committee need to inform Disclosure Scotland. This is called “Making a Referral” and includes circumstances where the club would have removed them if, for any reason, they have already left the role.
Disclosure Scotland will then use this information to help them decide if someone remains suitable to continue to do regulated work (with children/adults/both) or if they should be removed.
When Should You Let The Protection Unit Know What’s Happened?
You should only make a referral when TWO conditions are met:-
Condition 1
A club has permanently removed/removed someone from regulated work (given them another role or sacked them)
the individual has removed themselves from a regulated role (resigned), or
the contract was fixed term and the club would have removed an individual from a role if the contract was extended.
Condition 2 – At least one of the following five grounds apply to their permanent removal:
Caused harm,
Placed someone at risk of harm,
Engaged in inappropriate conduct involving pornography,
Engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct, and/or
Given inappropriate medical treatment.
When both of these conditions are met, the club must inform Disclosure Scotland by making a referral. The form for making a referral can be found on Disclosure Scotland’s website, along with instructions for completing the form and the club can contact the Protection Unit on 03000 2000 40 if any help is needed.
Scottish Fencing can support and advice clubs on the referral process. Please contact our Safeguarding Lead Officer on safeguarding@scottish-fencing.com
Making a referral is not optional. It is a legal requirement to report circumstances where both conditions are met. This should be done within 3 months of making your decision.
