Asking to see proof of PVG membership
As a personal employer, we advise you to ask candidates to provide proof of current PVG scheme membership before hiring. After an application is processed, the worker receives a digital disclosure they can securely share with you. The PVG scheme exists to continuously check suitability and bar individuals where appropriate - allowing you to make safer hiring decisions.
If you are a parent or guardian
If you are a parent or guardian looking for a service provided by an individual for your child, it is important that you:
- ask them to share a copy of their Confirmation of PVG scheme membership before allowing someone to carry out this service with your child, as requested by you, the parent or guardian
- be clear about duties and activities involved as part of the role, so the PVG membership covers the correct group, for example, membership for children
- keep records of what you checked and when
Example 1 – Maths tutor
Parents Karen and Tom are looking to get a maths tutor for their child (age 15), to support school studies. They find a tutor online, but before they proceed with a first session, they ask for proof of the tutor’s PVG scheme membership. The tutor shares a copy of their confirmation of PVG scheme membership through their Disclosure Scotland account, and Karen and Tom note that the tutor is an active member of the PVG scheme for children. After taking this simple step, to ensure that the tutor was safe to work with their child, the parents proceeded with a first session with the maths tutor.
If you are looking for a personal assistant
If you are looking for a personal assistant or care or support service, upon receipt of that service, you become a protected adult. It is important that you:
- ask them to share a copy of their Confirmation of PVG scheme membership before allowing someone to carry out this service for you
- be clear about duties and activities involved as part of the role, so the PVG membership covers the correct group, for example, membership for protected adults
- keep records of what you checked and when
Example 2 – Personal assistant
Scott is an elderly man who is looking for help around the house. Scott is looking for visits two times a day, for support with personal care and daily living activities. Scott is aware that once he starts to get a service from a personal assistant to help with his daily living, that makes him a protected adult. It is important Scott makes sure that any individual he finds for this role is a member of the PVG scheme. Scott finds someone to help him, but before he proceeds with getting the service, Scott asks to see proof of their confirmation of PVG scheme membership. The personal assistant shares a copy of their confirmation of PVG scheme membership through their Disclosure Scotland account and Scott notes that the personal assistant is an active member of the PVG scheme for protected adults. Scott then decides to proceed with the service.
Things to consider
- Define the role and duties clearly and identify whether it involves children and/or protected adults.
- Ask the candidate to share their PVG scheme confirmation for the relevant group(s) through their online account.
- Verify disclosure details and keep a note that you have viewed the information.
- If duties change, request an updated PVG scheme confirmation to ensure that the Individual is still suitable.
- Handle disclosures responsibly and in line with data protection principles.