PVG scheme is now a legal requirement

New legislation ensures that individuals working with vulnerable groups must be a member of the PVG scheme.

From today, 1 April 2025, membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme becomes a legal requirement in Scotland. Any individual who is to carry out a regulated role (paid or voluntary) with children, protected adults or both, must be a member of the PVG scheme, prior to carrying out that role.

Through continuous monitoring by Disclosure Scotland, membership of the PVG scheme provides confidence to organisations and the public that a person continues to be suitable to carry out a regulated role.

Gerard Hart, Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland said:

“Disclosure Scotland’s number one priority is the protection of vulnerable groups in Scotland and today marks an important milestone in that role, with more to come as we implement the remaining elements of the new law in the months ahead."

The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 aims to protect the public, while balancing the need for people to move on from offending and simplify the process for disclosing criminal history information.

In addition to this change to the PVG scheme, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 introduces:

• more control over disclosure information for applicants
• simplified disclosure products, making it easier to understand and use our services
• regulated roles to define whether PVG scheme membership is required

More information

For more information on the PVG scheme and to find out if the new legal requirement applies to you or those in your organisation, visit Disclosure Scotland’s website.

Individuals and organisations can use Disclosure Scotland’s regulated roles guidance, online checker tool, and our regulated roles video to help determine if a role is a regulated role and requires PVG scheme membership.