Engage Update - 03 February

Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) Scheme

In a major boost to the voluntary sector, the Scottish Government will continue to provide free Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme membership to volunteers following a public consultation on fee waivers and discounts in 2024.

This decision by Scottish Ministers recognises the vital role volunteers play in Scotland’s society with roles in care, health, sports, community and children’s recreational activities.

For organisations, it will also provide many smaller charities a crucial lifeline in recruiting and retaining new staff and will help eliminate the barriers some people may face when applying for jobs because of affordability.

Disclosure fee levels remaining at current levels
As well as retaining the fee waiver for qualifying voluntary organisations, fees for the new Level 1 and Level 2 disclosure products will remain at their broadly equivalent levels in 2025.

The decision to retain existing disclosure fees was taken after balancing several factors, including affordability for customers - particularly those on the lowest incomes.

Full details on qualifying voluntary organisations and levels available here: https://www.disclosure.gov.scot/disclosure-scotland-fees

 

Newsletters

Social Security Scotland Stakeholder Newsletter - January 2025

Trading Standards Scotland Bulletin 30 January

  

Picturing Paisley photography group are busy preparing images for display on their very popular Photo Fence exhibitions at Barshaw Park. This year, from 1 - 28 February there will be Photo Fences to enjoy at both ends of the park. Images of Paisley Abbey will feature on the railings at the Glasgow Rd/Arkleston Rd entrance and photos celebrating park activities will be displayed on the fence of the Community Garden.

So why not chase away the winter blues - and celebrate Feel Good February too - while taking in these interesting displays as you enjoy a walk through beautiful Barshaw Park. 

St Ninian's Church Hall Survey

Ferguslie Park is an active and vibrant community and there is an opportunity to establish another community facility at St Ninian's Church Hall. The Church Hall has been identified by Renfrewshire Council as surplus to requirements and is available for asset transfer to community groups and voluntary organisations. 
 
Ferguslie Community Development Trust are submitting a community asset transfer application to lease St Ninian's Church Hall. The Trust wants to create a shared, community wide vision for the new hub and to hear ideas and thoughts from the community. Please fill in this online survey to share your views and guide the development of building to make sure it is of genuine community benefit. 
 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/St-Ninians-Survey
 
If you would like any further information, please contact Douglas from Community Enterprise by email douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk or phone 07989306374. 

 

MS Awareness Session

MS-UK are delighted to offer free MS awareness training sessions for professionals and volunteers.
 
Join us Wednesday 05 February at 10.00am
 
Why should your team attend this session?
 
MS is the most common disabling neurological condition in working-aged adults, affecting over 150,000 people in the UK. In addition to physical challenges like mobility, balance, and strength, many people with MS experience invisible symptoms such as fatigue, bladder or bowel issues, and cognitive difficulties. These can impact daily living, employment, and overall wellbeing.
Professionals play a crucial role in supporting those with MS. MS-UK is here to help increase your team’s understanding of the condition and the support available to the MS community.
 
 What will you learn?
 
This session will be delivered by an MS-UK team member, alongside a volunteer with lived experience of MS.

• What is MS?
• Myths and preconceptions
• Symptoms that may impact on wellbeing
• A lived experience of MS
• Symptom management tips

 
The kind of support that people with MS may need on their MS journey
  
Who should attend

• Health and social care workers
• Community based professionals
• Professionals that work for a charity or voluntary organisation supporting people with a disability
• Support workers or home care workers
• Professionals that work in health or social care
• Teams that support people living with MS

 
If you’re a care provider, social prescriber, or work in employment support (including the DWP), we recommend joining one of our specialised MS Awareness sessions tailored specifically for your role.

Click the links above to find the session that’s right for you.
 
What do others have to say about MS-UK’s awareness sessions?
 
'This was fabulous training – probably one of the best sessions that I have been on in ages.'
 
‘It was really useful to understand more about MS and quell many of the misconceptions that are around the condition. It was great to have someone with lived experience sharing the information with us’
 
How to sign up
To join our free session click here.
 
eLearning
We have eLearning available for everyone and a variety of online training sessions on Zoom for professionals.

Students are at increased risk of infectious diseases like meningitis and measles. These diseases spread easily in universities and colleges, as students mix closely with others from around the country and overseas.
 
The start of new terms for Scottish universities and colleges is an important opportunity to remind students of free vaccinations provided by the NHS in Scotland.
 
For further information visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents