PVG scheme

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is managed by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do regulated roles with these groups.

How the PVG scheme works

It’s a legal requirement to join the PVG scheme if you’re going to do a regulated role.

When you apply to the scheme Disclosure Scotland carries out criminal record checks. You’ll get a disclosure which shows the results of these checks.

You can share this disclosure with the organisation you’re applying with. They can use this information to help decide if you’re right for the role you’re applying for.

Barred lists

Disclosure Scotland keeps lists of people barred from regulated roles with children and protected adults. If their checks show that you might be unsuitable, you'll be considered for listing.

Disclosure Scotland will keep checking your suitability to work with children and protected adults, until you leave the scheme

Keeping your membership up to date

Your membership can be for regulated roles with children, protected adults or both groups. If you’re going to work with a group that’s not listed on your membership, you need to apply to update your membership.

If you change job your new employer may ask you to complete an application. This allows you to share an updated disclosure with them. They’ll also be added to your membership account. 

You should also let Disclosure Scotland know if your personal details change, such as your address. This means they can contact you quickly if needed and information is sent to the right place. If you stop doing a regulated role, you can leave the scheme.

Reporting harmful behaviour

If an organisation has employees or volunteers doing regulated roles, they have a duty to report harmful behaviour to Disclosure Scotland.

If Disclosure Scotland receives information which suggests someone may be unsuitable for regulated roles, they'll start the consideration for listing process.