Launch of new digital products

From 15 May, people and organisations across Scotland will be able to apply for all types of state disclosure, using a secure and easily accessed online account.

This means that, for the first time, people seeking a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Confirmation of Scheme Membership, or a Level 1 disclosure countersigned by an eligible accredited body, can get these online. 

For organisations looking to recruit, our newly enhanced Level 1 application journey will help them start the onboarding process more quickly while giving them more control and instant access to candidates’ disclosure information. 

Self-employed people requiring proof that they are not barred, or under consideration for barring, can also now apply for a PVG scheme ‘join’ or ‘existing’ disclosure through their online account. This will help people working in a range of sectors, including those working as personal assistants. 

By law, people doing regulated roles with children or protected adults must now join the PVG scheme. Membership of the scheme gives extra reassurance that the employee or volunteer is checked to work with children and protected adults. Even if you are already in the PVG scheme, if you move or take up a new position you must get an updated disclosure with your new employer. This helps Disclosure Scotland keep track of where you are working or volunteering and, therefore, helps us keep children and vulnerable adults safer.  

If you have been with the same employer for a while and already have a PVG disclosure with them then you do not need to renew it to comply with the law.  Your existing membership just continues like before. Some employers will, however, periodically refresh their PVG checks, and this depends entirely on their local policy.  

These new features are part of Disclosure Scotland's commitment to improving its public services using a digital first approach. 

Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland, Gerard Hart, said: “These latest innovations ensure that, no matter what type of disclosure you require, you can now apply and get them online. 

“Since our online account service launch on 19 November 2024, we continue to partner with Scottish Government’s ScotAccount, to provide a secure online sign in and verification service for our customers. 

“We have produced short e-learning guidance for both applicants and employers to help them easily work through the simple process of creating an individual ScotAccount and then viewing and sharing the results. 

“Level 1 disclosures are the most common type of disclosure. They can be used by anyone for any type of job role and are often used by recruiters to check whether an employee has any recent or very serious convictions which could impact their suitability for employment.  

“A PVG Join or Existing disclosure, on the other hand, proves that you are not barred from working with children, vulnerable adults, or both groups. When you log into your online account, you should select either: 

• PVG scheme if you are self-employed (Join) - if you are not already a PVG scheme member for the group(s) you are working with. 

• PVG scheme if you are self-employed (Existing) - if you are already a PVG scheme member for each of the group(s) you are working with

“With the demand in applications for these types of disclosures our new digital service will help organisations recruit more quickly and opens up more opportunities for people to take up new job offers in Scotland.”