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

Some workers can get a free disclosure. To do so they must meet the criteria for coronavirus response workers.

Who is a coronavirus response worker

A coronavirus response worker is someone who meets 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'll still need to pay.

If you complete a coronavirus response worker application but the worker does not meet all 3 criteria:

• we will not process the application and will return it
• you'll have to complete a new application and pay for it

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 most type of disclosure online:

• basic disclosure
• PVG scheme disclosures (except people who are self-employed or work for a personal employer

By email

For some types of disclosure you will need to complete a digital form and send it to Disclosure Scotland:

• standard and enhanced disclosure
• joining the PVG scheme as self-employed or working for a personal employer
• existing members of the PVG scheme who are self-employed or work for a personal employer

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

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

Payment

You do not have to pay for disclosures about coronavirus response workers. This will remain in place until midnight on Thursday 25 March 2021.

Refunds

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