PVG scheme

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is Scotland's membership scheme for people doing regulated roles with children or protected adults.

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is run by Disclosure Scotland. Since 1 April 2025, anyone doing a regulated role with children, protected adults or both, whether paid or voluntary, must be a PVG scheme member before starting the role. Disclosure Scotland checks members' records and keeps them under review, so if new relevant information comes to light, it can consider whether the person should be barred from working with children or protected adults. Organisations applying for a PVG check receive a Level 2 disclosure with PVG. Since 1 April 2026, membership lasts five years and must then be renewed, replacing lifetime membership, and existing members are being moved to the new system in phases. Doing a regulated role while barred is a criminal offence.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.