If you're a personal assistant, self-employed or work for an individual
If you're going to do a regulated role as a personal assistant, self-employed or for an individual, you need to join the PVG scheme.
Examples of regulated roles include:
- employed as a personal assistant
- employed by a parent as a tutor for their child
- employed by an individual as a driving instructor
If you're self-employed and doing a regulated role under contract for an organisation, the organisation needs to start a PVG application for you.
Types of PVG application
If you're joining the PVG scheme for the first time, or you're an existing member working with a new vulnerable group, apply for a Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Join). It costs £59.
For example, you previously joined the PVG scheme for a role with children, and now you're applying for a role with protected adults.
If you're an existing member and you're continuing to work with the same vulnerable group on your membership, you can apply for a Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Existing). It costs £18.
Find out more about what the disclosures will show.
How to apply
1. Complete an application
To access Disclosure Scotland services you need to sign in using ScotAccount. You can then select a disclosure application.
If you do not have a ScotAccount you can create one as part of your application. Use a personal email address when creating an account.
Only use the link below if you're a personal assistant, self-employed or work for an individual.
ScotAccount is a secure way to access public services online. You can use it to sign in to services and verify your personal information.
2. Track your application
Once you submit an application it's usually processed with 14 days, unless Disclosure Scotland needs more information. You can track its progress in your account.
3. Share your disclosure
Once your application is processed Disclosure Scotland will send you an email. This will have a secure link to sign in and view your disclosure online.
When you view your disclosure you'll have the option of sharing it. This allows you to share it with the person you’re working with.
You will not get a paper certificate.
Offline options
If you cannot apply online, there are offline options.
Cost
A Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Join) costs £59.
A Confirmation of PVG scheme membership (Existing) costs £18.
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.
Support for personal assistants
If you're a personal assistant you can email Disclosure Scotland's dedicated support team: DS.CS@disclosurescotland.gov.scot.
Use an email header of 'Personal Assistant'.
Training
There is an e-learning course you can use to learn more about the application process.