Your PVG scheme membership is changing - Common questions answered
In this article, we aim to answer commonly asked questions and queries for our customers.
Q. Will there be an extra cost to the change coming in on 1 April 2026?
No. There will be no additional cost to the PVG scheme or the separate renewal process.
Q. Does the 1 April 2026 update change how organisations should apply for the PVG scheme?
No. The update does not change how organisations submit applications. Organisations should continue to apply as they normally do and should not apply earlier or more often than usual. They should continue to follow our guidance.
Q. How long is lifetime PVG scheme membership valid for?
Lifetime PVG scheme membership remains until an individual makes a new PVG scheme application after 1 April 2026 or is moved into the five-year PVG scheme by Disclosure Scotland.
Q. Once someone is moved into the five-year PVG membership, is their membership valid for all regulated roles?
No. PVG scheme membership is linked to the workforce the individual applies for. Membership is not automatically given for all regulated roles. If an individual needs to work with a different workforce, they must submit the relevant PVG application.
Q. Will individuals continue to receive disclosure results for PVG applications?
Yes. Individuals receive their disclosure result digitally through their online account. A paper certificate may be issued if required.
Q. How is an individual informed that their PVG scheme application has been completed?
Individuals receive an email advising that their result is available. They can then sign in to their online account to view it.
Q. How long will PVG membership last once the change to five years is in place?
PVG scheme membership will last for five years from 1 April 2026. After five years, membership must be renewed. Our email notifications will be updated to reflect the five-year membership. You can see an example email notification in this article, where the individual's membership expires on 1 May 2031.
Q. Will individuals be notified when their PVG membership is due to expire?
Yes. Disclosure Scotland will notify members at least three months before their membership is due to end. Organisations with an interest will also be informed.
Q. Are there different types of PVG scheme application?
Yes. PVG products include:
- PVG Scheme Membership (Join)
- PVG Scheme Membership (Existing)
- Confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership (Join)
- Confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership (Existing)
Find out more on our website.
Q. Do people who already hold PVG scheme membership need to reapply because of the upcoming update?
No. Existing PVG scheme members do not need to reapply. Their current membership remains valid. They will be moved to the five-year PVG membership in phases after 1 April 2026.
Q. Will individuals automatically be removed from the PVG scheme because they have not renewed their membership?
No. Individuals will not be removed automatically. If they do not renew, Disclosure Scotland will check whether they are carrying out a regulated role. They will stay in the PVG scheme until it is confirmed that they are not.
If you have any further questions which we have not covered, you can contact us.