April 2025 Update with Mike Melvin

Big increase in Saltire Awards in Aberdeen

Youth volunteering is going from strength to strength in Aberdeen. Over the past year (April 2024–March 2025), there has been a significant rise in the number of young people receiving recognition for their invaluable contributions through volunteering. The Saltire Awards, which honour volunteers aged 12–25 and are delivered by ACVO on behalf of the Scottish Government, have seen a notable increase in recipients.

Some recent successes from the Saltire Awards include:‍

• ‍An amazing 23375 hours of volunteering logged  through the awards this year (an increase of 19% compared to last year)
• 3623 volunteers registered with the Saltire Awards (516 new volunteers this year alone, an increase of 15% compared to registrations for last year)
• 739 Saltire Awards certificates issued to volunteers this year (13% increase on last year’s total certificates presented)

The Saltire Awards are national awards endorsed by the Scottish Government and delivered in each local authority area by Third Sector Interfaces (ACVO in Aberdeen) to recognise the marvellous contribution young people make volunteering and the achievements of young volunteers. Certificates are awarded in recognition for undertaking 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours of volunteering. The Deputy First Minister and First Minister sign the Award certificates.

I’m always amazed by our city’s young people and the tremendous contribution volunteering they make. The help they provide is invaluable and the Saltire Awards are a great way to recognise this. A huge thank you to all young volunteers and a huge  congratulations on your Saltire Awards achievements.

For more details about the Saltire Awards please visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk/young-volunteers or saltireawards.scot or email Mike.Melvin@acvo.org.uk

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Disclosure Scotland Changes Came into Force on April 1st

On the 1st April 2025 major changes to Disclosures and the PVG - Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme came in to force. One of the most crucial updates is that membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is now a legal requirement for anyone carrying out a regulated role. This change ensures that individuals working with vulnerable groups are properly vetted, offering an added layer of security and safeguarding.

The introduction of streamlined disclosure products gives individuals more control over their information. These reforms make the process more transparent and easier to navigate, reducing unnecessary complexity for both applicants and employers or hosts.

A more individualised approach has been introduced concerning the disclosure of childhood offending. This includes enhanced rights of review for convictions disclosed on a disclosure certificate, ensuring a fairer and more proportionate system. This change acknowledges the importance of rehabilitation and the right to move forward from past mistakes.

To provide greater clarity, the term ‘regulated work’ has been replaced with ‘regulated roles.’ This update makes it easier to determine whether a position requires PVG scheme membership. To assist with this, the Scottish Government and Disclosure Scotland have developed an online tool to check whether a role requires PVG scheme membership. You can access this tool at: Check If a Role Needs PVG Scheme Membership.

Disclosure Scotland now has the authority to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing. This measure adds flexibility to the system, allowing for appropriate restrictions to be applied while an individual’s suitability is assessed.

To ensure that individuals and organisations stay fully up to date with these changes, Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services is offering online drop-in sessions and training. These sessions provide guidance and support on navigating the new system effectively.

For more details, visit: Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services.

The team is also available to assist with any questions or additional support reach out at complianceandtraining@volunteerscotland.org.uk.

By staying informed and proactive, individuals and organisations can ensure compliance with these important changes, which helps to strengthen safeguarding measures across Scotland.

Get involved: Volunteer in Aberdeen!

There are hundreds of different ways you can give your time as a volunteer in Aberdeen! The great thing about volunteering is that it is so inclusive, no matter your experience, time you have to give or age, there is a volunteer opportunity to suit you and an organisation in Aberdeen that would really value your contribution.

Have a look below at some of our recently added opportunities and discover how you can make a big difference in your local community!