About the PVG scheme

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme helps ensure people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do regulated work.

It's a membership scheme. Disclosure Scotland continuously checks members' criminal history information. It also keeps lists of people barred from regulated work.

Application types

There are different types of PVG application:

• scheme record - for people who are joining the PVG scheme
• existing scheme record - for PVG members who want to work with a new vulnerable group
• scheme record update - for PVG members working with the same vulnerable group, but need to add an organisation to their membership
• scheme membership statement - used if you're self-employed or work for a personal employer

How to apply

Making a PVG application is a two-stage process:

1. An organisation needs to start the application for an individual. 
2. The individual then needs to complete the application. They cannot apply until the organisation starts the application.

How much it costs

A scheme record or existing scheme record application costs £59.

A scheme record update application costs £18.

A scheme membership statement costs: 

• £59 if you're a new member or if you're working with a new vulnerable group
• £18 if you're working with the same vulnerable group you're a member for

How long it takes

Disclosure Scotland aims to process applications within 14 days. The applicant and organisation will then get a result to view online.