This page provides the latest information on the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and upcoming changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
We keep this page updated as new guidance becomes available. If you need tailored support, please contact the team at disclosures@volunteerscotland.org.uk.
From 1 April 2026, new applicants to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme automatically become members of the new five-year PVG scheme membership.
What organisations need to know
- Continue submitting PVG applications as normal.
- Do not change the frequency of PVG applications.
- Individuals who joined the PVG scheme before 1 April 2026 do not need to take any action unless contacted by Disclosure Scotland.
Disclosure Scotland will:
- contact existing PVG members when they are due to move to the new five-year membership cycle
- manage the transition in phases
- work with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) to support implementation
- share further information as it becomes available
In the meantime, all PVG members should ensure their personal details are kept up to date. Guidance on updating personal details is available on the Disclosure Scotland website.
For Those Joining the PVG Scheme from 1 April 2026
Individuals applying to join the PVG scheme from 1 April 2026 automatically enter the new five-year membership. Membership must be renewed every five years if the individual continues to carry out a regulated role.
Examples
Andrew joins the PVG scheme on 2 April 2026.
- Renewal due: 2 April 2031
- Renewal reminder issued by: 2 January 2031
Interested parties will be notified, but no action is required from them.
Charlotte joins the PVG scheme on 31 January 2027.
- Renewal due: 31 January 2032
- Renewal reminder issued by: 31 October 2031
Interested parties will again be notified, with no action required unless contacted.
If an individual no longer carries out a regulated role and does not intend to return to one, they should notify Disclosure Scotland that they will not be renewing their PVG membership.
If they stop carrying out a regulated role after joining the scheme, they should inform Disclosure Scotland by emailing:
dsupdate@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
What Organisations Should Do
To help ensure you only receive safeguarding information you are entitled to receive:
- Notify Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) when a PVG member stops carrying out a regulated role for your organisation.
- Complete the Removal of Interest form.
Keeping your interests up to date helps reduce unnecessary administration and ensures safeguarding information is shared appropriately.
Conditions on Scheme Members Under Consideration for Listing
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 introduces powers for Disclosure Scotland to impose temporary conditions on individuals who are being considered for listing and possible barring from regulated roles.
These conditions:
- will only be used where necessary
- are intended to protect vulnerable groups while enquiries are ongoing
- will only remain in place until a final decision has been reached
These provisions have not yet been brought into force. Disclosure Scotland continues to work with key partners on the practical arrangements for their implementation.
Until these powers are introduced, the current safeguarding arrangements remain in place. Organisations should continue to:
- assess suitability using the disclosure information provided
- take appropriate steps to manage and mitigate any identified risks
Further information will be shared when implementation arrangements are confirmed.
Application Turnaround Times
Current application processing times are published regularly by both Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) and Disclosure Scotland.
Service Level Agreements
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services aims to process 90% of applications within nine calendar days of receiving them.
Disclosure Scotland aims to complete 90% of applications within 14 calendar days after the applicant completes their disclosure application.
Some applications may take longer because additional checks are required. These checks:
- are a legal requirement
- may involve external agencies
- are often unrelated to the applicant
- rarely affect the final outcome
Disclosure Scotland continues to work closely with partner agencies to minimise delays wherever possible.
Ongoing Updates
We will continue to update this page as further guidance becomes available on the implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
If you have any questions or require support, please contact Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services at:
disclosures@volunteerscotland.org.uk
Last reviewed: 14 July 2026
