About the PVG scheme
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme helps ensure people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do regulated roles.
It's a membership scheme. Disclosure Scotland continuously checks members' criminal history information. It also keeps lists of people barred from regulated roles.
You can use our tool to check if a role needs PVG scheme membership.
Types of PVG application
There are different types of PVG application:
- PVG scheme disclosure (Join)
- PVG scheme disclosure (Existing)
- Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Join)
- Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Existing)
You can find out more about what each disclosure is for.
How to apply
Making a PVG application is a two-stage process:
- An organisation needs to start the application for an individual.
- The individual then needs to complete the application.
Organisations need to start PVG applications for individuals. They cannot apply without an organisation.
There's a different process if you're self-employed or work for an individual.
Sharing the disclosure
After their application is processed the individual will get a disclosure, which they can share with the organisation they’re applying with. This allows them to continue the recruitment process.
Help
You can contact Disclosure Scotland for help:
- phone: 0300 020 0040
- email: response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
The helpline is open Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3.30pm.
The helpline will be closed on Thursdays from 10 July 2025 to process applications
Training
Disclosure Scotland runs webinars to help organisations who use the PVG scheme.
There is also an e-learning course you can use to learn more about the application process.