The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is a vital safeguading measure designed to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and vulnerable adults. The PVG Scheme ensures that eligible individuals working in positions of trust do not pose a risk to these vulnerable groups.
A PVG check is suitable for certain roles for work done in Scotland. Many roles within organisations, especially those involving direct contact with vulnerable individuals, are eligible to legally obtain PVG checks.
If your company is making decisions about employing people working in England or Wales, you should obtain a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
People undertaking work or volunteering for the first time with a vulnerable group (Children or Protected Adults) in a role that is legally eligible for the PVG Scheme will be asked by their employer or organisation to register to join the PVG Scheme with the group that they will be working with (Children and/or Protected Adults). This type of check is called a Scheme Record
Additionally, if a person was registered to work with one protected group, and is now beginning work with another, they will have to register again to work with the new group. For example if someone who is a member of the PVG Scheme registered to work with Protected Adults starts a new role in which they work with Children, they will need to register again to join the PVG Scheme in the Children's workforce. This type of check is called an Existing Scheme Record.
If an employee changes employer, the new employer should undertake a PVG Scheme Record Update to confirm the individual is not barred, under consideration for listing or had new vetting added since they joined the Scheme.
This will ensure that the employer has an active interest in the new employee's PVG membership record by linking the employee to their new employer. The new employer will also now receive notifications from Disclosure Scotland should the employee become barred or under consideration for listing. This type of check is called a Scheme Record Update.
People who work with children and/or protected adults on a regular basis are eligible to join the PVG Scheme if they are undertaking one or more of the PVG activities.
People starting to work with a protected group for the first time, are eligible for PVG Scheme Record. People beginning work with a new employer, even if they are already a PVG Scheme member, should get a PVG Update to link their PVG Scheme membership with the new employer.
Scottish Disclosures provides a free PVG Eligibility checker to help individuals and organisations determine whether a role requires a PVG check by answering 5 simple questions. This tool is built upon guidance from Disclosure Scotland on the eligibility of PVG applications. This doesn't cover every possible use of PVG.
Employers can use a registered company, known as an 'umbrella body', to process their staff disclosures and PVG checks. Scottish Disclosures is a registered company who can process PVG Checks on your company's behalf.
If you are an organisation or an individual, Scottish Disclosures can process these checks on your behalf:
Scottish Disclosures streamlines the PVG check process for both individuals or organisations. If you require PVG check processing or expert guidance on navigating the PVG process, do not hesitate to contact us at info@scottish-disclosures.co.uk.
For any PVG needs, Scottish Disclosures is your trusted partner.
