Disclosure Scotland launches new self-service feature for organisations
Disclosure Scotland introduces a new self-service feature to its online service for organisations.
The new feaure is designed to make managing PVG scheme memberships simpler and more efficient. Available in the Organisation Account, it allows countersignatories (CSGs) to remove their organisation’s interest in PVG scheme members they no longer need to monitor - quickly and securely.
Please note – This update is for Disclosure Scotland customers only, not Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) customers. We are currently working with VSDS to allow for their customers to use this service in the future. Disclosure Scotland and VSDS will let you know when we have an update.
What’s changing?
Previously, organisations had limited options for managing ongoing monitoring of PVG scheme members. With this update, CSGs can now take direct action through a streamlined self-service process:
- Prompted action: When the update goes live, CSGs will see a notification in their account prompting them to review their PVG scheme member list.
- New ‘scheme members’ section: This section enables users to search for individuals and remove interest either individually or in bulk.
What's not changing?
CSGs will not be able to amend any other details for scheme members through self-service, for example, name or position applied for. They can only remove interest in an individual.
If you need to remove your interest in an individual for only one group (for example, they previously worked with children and adults, and now work with children only), you can remove your interest by contacting our dedicated team via dsupdate@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
How it works
- Single removal: Use the ‘remove individual PVG scheme member’ tab to remove interest from specific members.
- Multiple removal: Download a CSV file listing all PVG scheme members your organisation monitors. Update the ‘Interested’ field from ‘yes’ to ‘no’ for those you wish to remove, then upload the file following on-screen instructions.
- Confirmation: For both single and multiple removals, the CSG will see a confirmation screen in the online account telling them that their removal request is successfully submitted.
- Activity tracking: All removals made by any CSG within the organisation can be viewed in the ‘activity history’ tab.
Benefits
This new functionality offers several benefits.
- Time saving: No more manual processes or contacting Disclosure Scotland for changes - everything can be done online.
- Improved information management: Organisations can keep their PVG scheme member lists up to date and not receive updates for individuals who no longer work for them.
- Greater control: CSGs have full visibility and authority over their organisation’s interests, ensuring compliance and safeguarding responsibilities are managed effectively.
- Transparency: The ‘activity history’ tab provides a clear audit trail of all changes made. CSGs can view all changes made to the scheme members they are interested in.
By introducing this self-service option, Disclosure Scotland is helping organisations maintain accurate records, reduce administrative burden, and focus on what matters most - keeping people safe.
Next steps
The ‘self-service feature’ went live on Monday 2 February. CSGs should log in to their Organisation Account and review their PVG scheme member list promptly. For guidance, step-by-step instructions for using the online account is available through our Online Accounts e-learning for CSGs.
Our resources have been updated to reflect the change: