Roles that need PVG membership
If you’re going to do a regulated role, you need to be a member of the PVG scheme.
Regulated roles are roles that meet certain criteria. They often involve work with children or protected adults, or positions of power or influence over these groups.
It's not possible to give a complete list of regulated roles, because roles change. There are some where it’s clear though - these are set out in a list of regulated roles.
Examples include:
- teachers
- social workers
- sports coachers
There are many different roles that need PVG membership though. They can be paid or unpaid.
How to check if a role needs PVG membership
You can use our tool to check if a role needs PVG scheme membership.
There’s also more detailed guidance on regulated roles you can use, including a Youtube video.
Information about under 16 year olds
Children under 16 cannot normally become PVG scheme members. This is in line with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where organisations cannot carry out criminal records checks on anyone under 16.
Anyone under 16 can still carry out activities that would amount to a regulated role if they were aged 16 or over. However, the recruiting organisation should consider what activities are suitable for the child to do. They should put in place safeguarding measures for the child and any children or protected adults they’re working with.
There are some cases where they can join the PVG scheme (although they do not have to join until they're 16). For example, they could be almost 16 and starting a regulated role on a college placement. Organisations should use the offline process for these applications.
Organisations considering PVG membership for anything other than further education for a child under 16 should contact Disclosure Scotland.
Help
Contact Disclosure Scotland
If you're unsure whether a role needs PVG membership, contact Disclosure Scotland:
- phone 0300 020 0040
- email response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
The helpline is open Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4pm, Thursday 11am to 4pm, and Friday 9am to 3.30pm.
Training webinars
Disclosure Scotland runs free webinars to help organisations who use the PVG scheme. You can sign up on the Disclosure Scotland events page or email dsworkshop@disclosurescotland.gov.scot to find out more.