Criminal record checks for coronavirus (COVID-19) response workers

Last updated: 20 November 2020

If the disclosure is not for a coronavirus response worker, you can apply by email for routine disclosures.

Who is a coronavirus response worker

To qualify for a free disclosure, a coronavirus response worker must meet all 3 criteria.

  1. They must only need a disclosure because of their coronavirus work.
  2. Their role must only exist in response to coronavirus.
  3. They must be working in a qualifying sector.

If you need someone in that role anyway for work not normally about coronavirus, you will still need to pay.

If the worker does not meet all 3 criteria:

  • we will not process the application and will return it
  • you will have to resubmit and pay using a routine disclosure form

You can apply by email for paid routine disclosures.

Qualifying sectors

The qualifying sectors are:

  • healthcare (including dental care)
  • pharmaceutical
  • childcare
  • social work
  • social care
  • prisons, law and order, and justice
  • education (early years, primary and secondary)
  • emergency services
  • critical national infrastructure
  • energy and water supply
  • defence
  • local and central government public services
  • environmental protection
  • animal health and welfare
  • funeral services
  • medicines and pharmaceutical supply
  • food supply and food processing
  • chemical supply
  • telecommunications
  • public transport
  • postal and delivery services
  • financial services
  • food retail

Applications for coronavirus response workers

Online

Coronavirus response volunteers or workers can apply for a basic disclosure online. You can also apply online for a basic disclosure for any other purpose, but you will need to pay a £25 fee.

By email

These forms can be used by organisations. Self-employed people can also use the forms for the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

Use these forms to apply for disclosures about coronavirus response workers only:

Forms must be signed and sent by countersignatories. Self-employed applicants to the PVG Scheme do not need to do this.

Email completed forms to COVID19@disclosurescotland.gov.scot.

We will accept an electronic signature from the applicant and countersignatory. Either a typewritten or scanned signature is valid. There is no need to print and sign a form by hand.

All qualifying voluntary organisations (QVOs) enrolled with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) should follow VSDS processes.

Cost

You do not have to pay for disclosures about coronavirus response workers. This will remain in place until midnight on Friday 25 December 2020. The Scottish Parliament is considering a proposal to extend this exemption until 25 March 2021. We'll update this page once a decision has been made.

Refunds

If you submitted and paid for a disclosure for a coronavirus response worker, you can get a refund.