Important Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and safeguarding changes for Scottish bands
There are significant changes being made to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and safeguarding in Scotland which will require more roles in brass bands to be included in PVG applications, including conductors, trustees/committee members, instructors, child protection officers (CPOs) and support staff for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS).
A new policy document has been drawn up by the Scottish Brass Band Association which bands are encourage to read and share with their CPOs. If your band does not have a CPO, please now appoint one and have them contact Caroline Farren at sbbacpo@gmail.com where they will be offered any assistance required to bring them band up to the legal standard.
It is stressed that these changes mean that not complying with PVG safeguarding is an illegal act and you or your band can be prosecuted if not meeting the desired standards.
The new rules come into effect from 1 April 2025, and you have until 1 July 1 2025 to be competent with them. Any existing PVGs continue to be in action, but anyone who holds any of the regulated roles and who does not have a SBBA PVG, must have this in place by 1 July.
If you require any assistance with navigating these new rules and regulations, please get in touch with Caroline. However, please be aware that she works in a voluntary capacity as the SBBA CPO alongside a full-time job so be patient with response times as we enter what is likely to be an incredibly busy period of time.
Please complete this form by 14 April 2025.
