PSYV members
If you are a youth member or an adult volunteer please see the relevant information below.
PSYV youth volunteer
Welcome to Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV).
The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Programme gives young people an insight into policing in Scotland and inspires them to participate positively in their communities. PSYV aim to:
- Promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people;
- Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship;
- Support local policing priorities through volunteering;
- Give young people a chance to be heard; and
- Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities.
The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers were established in 2014 and have provided a new and exciting dynamic to the service. There are 38 local groups, and each group can have up to 10 Adult Volunteers and 24 youth Volunteers aged across Scotland between 13–17-year-olds. The group is overseen by a Group Coordinator who is generally a local Police Officer, There are currently over 650 young people involved with PSYV.
The programme gives young people of all backgrounds a positive means of engagement with the police service. Through regular training and participation in community safety initiatives, youth volunteers are given opportunities to overcome barriers and discover their talents whilst making a positive contribution to their communities.
As a young volunteer, you will be expected to complete the PSYV Initial Training Programme which will prepare you for attending local and national volunteering events.
This training and subsequent local 'sessions' take place at a local venue on a weekly or fortnightly basis. During these sessions, young volunteers will take part in additional training, educational inputs from the police and partner agencies as well as preparing for upcoming volunteering opportunities.
PSYV adult volunteers
Welcome to Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV).
“A volunteer is someone who, through personal choice, commits time and energy for the benefit of others, without the expectation of financial reward.”
The PSYV programme aims to strengthen the relationship with the police and young people, breaking down barriers and promoting positive role models. .
PSYV promotes a practical way for young people to understand policing by supporting the Police in their local area through volunteering. As part of this, young people are given a chance for their voice to be heard and encouraged to promote good citizenship.
PSYV aims are:
- Promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people
- Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
- Support local policing priorities through volunteering
- Give young people a chance to be heard; and
- Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities
The PSYV is heavily reliant on the goodwill of Adult Volunteers who give up their time to support their local group and assist with the supervision of the Young Volunteers at both local sessions and volunteering events.
As an Adult Volunteer you be expected to dedicate a minimum of three hours per month for volunteering events alongside attend training forums.
Each Adult Volunteer will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG). This process will be managed by the PSYV programme.
Safeguarding / Child Protection documentation
How to Voice A Concern
There are 4 essential Safeguarding units that all adults must cover before commencing work with Police Scotland Youth Volunteers.
This ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibility when working with children and young people.
There will be further adult training opportunities available throughout your time with PSYV. It is important to keep your skills up to date and relevant.
If you want to raise a PSYV safeguarding concern please use the contact us form as it is it monitored 24/7.