Chess Scotland Noticeboard

Membership Secretary · Moderator Joined: 30 Apr 2010 Posts: 22

Due to changes in the legislation and procedures under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, no applications for Disclosure and registration as Chess Coaches, Chaperons or Arbiters with Chess Scotland can be processed before 28th February 2011. In the meantime Inquiries can still be made to Steve Mannion in the case of Chaperons or Chess Coaches prior to that date and it may be possible to start our internal process once the new forms are to hand.

Membership Secretary · Moderator Joined: 30 Apr 2010 Posts: 22

This is an update to the post dated 20 January 2011.

The introduction of the new scheme under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, to replace the previous Child Protection arrangements has been subject to various delays, (mainly reported to be computer related). The new scheme is now in operation but the authorities are currently controlling the utilisation of the new service in order to reduce their workload of accepting new applications.

For new Chess Scotland volunteers, i.e. anyone wishing to be a Coach, an Arbiter and/or a Chaperon, including those with disclosures from other organisations who have not applied for Disclosure through Chess Scotland, applications will now be accepted.

The new system will look very similar to the existing child protection disclosure forms. PVG and related enquiries/information will be used to ensure that would-be volunteers are suitable people to work with chess players in vulnerable situations. As with Child Protection, a key area will be any previous criminal convictions or enquiries. The key difference is that, once issued, a PVG certificate will be transferable; there will be no need to repeat disclosures each time a volunteer takes on a different role. At this stage, CS volunteers who have already been subject to disclosure through Chess Scotland will not be invited to undertake a PVG application.

Steve Mannion will continue to take the lead role with the assistance of Dick Heathwood (as Membership Secretary) continuing as the additional signatory. Both have been involved in attending training and discussion with the relevant officials. PVG preparation is ongoing but as already indicated, the implementation will be gradual and somewhat delayed compared with earlier expectations.

Membership Secretary · Moderator Joined: 30 Apr 2010 Posts: 22

The main policy document has now been updated to reflect changes in legislation. The new version can be read at http://www.chessscotland.com/csinfo/childprotectmain.htm