Helping you understand the PVG application fee waiver

Disclosure Scotland has published commonly asked questions and answers, to help people understand the changes for social care workers.  

Commonly asked questions 

1. Why has the PVG scheme fee waiver been introduced? – The Scottish Government recognises the exceptional contribution of the social care workforce, and the vital role that they play within our communities. Fairer working conditions are essential to making social care the attractive and rewarding career which it should be. 

2. Who qualifies for PVG scheme fee waiver? – The PVG scheme fee waiver applies to those who have started a new role within social care commissioned services in the private, voluntary and independent sectors, and have applied for a PVG check from 1 August 2026. 

3. I work for a social care organisation. What do I need to do to access the PVG scheme fee waiver? – Apply for PVG scheme membership as normal and ensure that the prefix “FSC” is clearly included in the Position Applied For field, along with the job title itself. You should select invoice as the method of payment to allow you to proceed with the application, but the charge will not be added to your next invoice. 

4. I am a Personal Assistant (PA), how do I access the PVG scheme fee waiver? – PAs should submit an offline application by email. Please ensure that the prefix “FSC” is clearly included in both the Position Applied For field and the Personal Employer section of the application form. The submission email must also include “FSC” in the subject line. The payment section of the form should be left blank. 

5. Is the PVG scheme application free for anyone else? – PVG scheme applications continue to be free for volunteers for qualifying voluntary organisations, regardless of the sector. 

More frequently asked questions and information is available on the Disclosure Scotland website.