Safer schools, from policy to action: How Disclosure Scotland supports safeguarding in education

Today's focus is "safer schools, from policy to action", and we're looking at the vital role that Disclosure Scotland and the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme play in keeping Scotland's schools safe.

A legal foundation for safer recruitment 

Under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, anyone working in a regulated role involving children must be a member of the PVG scheme. This isn't just good practice, it's the law. Schools and organisations that allow someone to carry out a regulated role for them without the correct PVG scheme membership, or that knowingly recruit an unsuitable individual into such a role, are committing a criminal offence. This legal framework underpins everything we do, ensuring that safeguarding in schools starts with robust, lawful recruitment practices. 

Continuous monitoring, not just a one-off review 

A disclosure isn't simply a snapshot taken at the point of recruitment. Disclosure Scotland continuously monitors PVG scheme members against new criminal convictions and other relevant information, including barring lists. If information comes to light that raises concerns about someone's suitability to work with children, we can place them under consideration for listing, or bar them from such work altogether. This ongoing monitoring means that schools can have confidence in the people they employ, not just on day one, but throughout their time in post. 

Understanding who needs PVG membership 

It's a common misconception that every adult who sets foot in a school needs PVG scheme membership. In reality, membership is specifically tied to regulated roles, such as teachers, teaching assistants and others undertaking regular or specific activities with children. Parents helping out on an occasional basis, or general school-managed volunteering, typically fall under the school's own safeguarding policies rather than mandatory PVG scheme membership. Understanding this distinction helps schools apply the right checks to the right roles, without creating unnecessary barriers to community involvement. Guidance is available for organisations providing activities in another organisation’s premises. 

One part of a bigger safeguarding picture 

PVG membership is a critical safeguard, but it was never meant to work alone. Safer schools rely on PVG memberships operating alongside strong local authority child protection procedures, regular staff training and ongoing risk assessments. Together, these elements create layers of protection that help schools identify and respond to concerns quickly and effectively.

Timely reporting matters 

When something does go wrong, swift action is essential. Schools and organisations have a duty to report harmful behaviour or dismissals related to safeguarding to Disclosure Scotland, and in the case of teachers, to the General Teaching Council for Scotland, within strict timeframes, typically within three months for serious safeguarding or conduct issues. This timely reporting ensures that information about unsuitable individuals is captured and acted upon as quickly as possible, protecting children not just in one school, but across the wider system. 

From policy to action 

Today's theme reminds us that policies and legislation only make a difference when they're put into practice, every day, in every school. Disclosure Scotland is proud to play our part in that chain of protection, giving schools, parents and communities confidence that the right checks and processes are in place to help keep children safe.