How disclosure levels will change
From 1 April 2025, the way we carry out disclosure checks will change.
This is part of us implementing the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.
This page covers future changes. Visit mygov.scot for our live services.
Replacing basic, standard, enhanced and PVG disclosures
Currently, we have 4 levels of disclosure:
- basic
- standard
- enhanced
- PVG disclosures (for members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme)
From 1 April 2025, this will change to:
- Level 1, which will replace basic disclosure
- Level 2, which will replace standard, enhanced and PVG disclosures
How Level 1 disclosures will work
Level 1 checks will replace basic disclosure.
These will show:
- unspent convictions
- any notification requirements (instructions someone must follow if they're placed on the Sex Offenders Register)
How Level 2 disclosures will work
Level 2 checks will replace standard and enhanced disclosures:
- all Level 2 disclosures will show information on unspent and certain spent convictions and other relevant information held by the police
- for regulated roles, you'll need a 'Level 2 with PVG' disclosure that shows extra information about your suitability for work with children or protected adults
- for other roles with children or protected adults, such as adopting a child, you'll need a 'Level 2 with suitability' disclosure
The dropdowns below show more details on the information shown on the different types of Level 2 disclosure.
Baseline information disclosed for all Level 2 disclosures
All Level 2 checks will show:
- unspent convictions
- certain spent convictions
- certain spent childhood convictions and children’s hearings outcomes
- any notification requirements (instructions someone must follow if they're placed on the Sex Offenders Register)
- unspent cautions (but not a childhood caution)
- other relevant information held by the police
This baseline level of checks will replace:
- standard disclosure, currently required for roles such as solicitors and accountants
- some enhanced disclosures, such as those required if you're applying ffor a gaming or lottery licence for your business
If your role will involve children or protected adults, your Level 2 disclosure will contain extra information. Find out more below.
Extra information disclosed for regulated roles (Level 2 with PVG)
Regulated roles with children or protected adults, for example a teacher, will require 'Level 2 with PVG' disclosure.
Level 2 with PVG disclosures will show:
- the baseline information shown for all Level 2 disclosures
- that you're a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
- if you're under consideration for inclusion on the barred lists for work with children or adults
- if you have had any prescribed civil court orders
Level 2 with PVG disclosure will replace the PVG scheme record and short scheme record.
Other roles with children or protected adults (Level 2 with suitability)
Some roles with children or protected adults will not require PVG scheme membership, for example if you’re considering adopting a child.
For these, you'll need 'Level 2 with suitability' disclosure. This replaces certain enhanced disclosures.
Level 2 with suitability disclosure will show:
- the baseline information shown for all Level 2 disclosures
- if you're on the barred lists for work with children or adults
- if you're under consideration for inclusion on the barred lists for work with children or adults
- if you have had any prescribed civil court orders
Replacing the PVG statement of scheme membership
Alongside the change to disclosure levels, we will have an equivalent to the statement of PVG scheme membership.
This will be called a confirmation of PVG scheme membership. This will not include conviction information.
Getting prepared for the changes
We're working with stakeholders as we prepare to implement the changes.
We're also developing guidance and training around the Act.