Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 – March Update
Volunteer Scotland is sharing an important update regarding the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Key changes are coming into effect from 1st April 2025, and it’s vital that organisations and individuals are prepared.
Key Changes and Updates:
- PVG Scheme Becomes a Legal Requirement: From 1st April 2025, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme will become a legal requirement in Scotland.
- Review Applications: The Disclosure Act introduces a new process allowing individuals to apply for a review of disclosure information before it’s shared with the organisation. Disclosure Scotland has published guidance on this process, which they will continue to update.
- Regulated Roles – Updated Checklists: Updated children and protected adult checklists are now available to help assess roles and determine PVG scheme requirements. These checklists should be used from 1st April, and completed checklists can be emailed to disclosures@volunteerscotland.org.uk. New guidance and tools are also available from Disclosure Scotland to help assess roles.
Download children checklist here
- Code of Practice: Disclosure Scotland has published an updated Code of Practice under the Disclosure Act, outlining responsibilities for organisations using disclosure information. Organisations must familiarise themselves with these responsibilities.
- Changes to Offence Lists: The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (List A and B Offences) Amendment Regulations 2025 have amended the offence lists used from 1 April 2025.
- Applicants Sharing Disclosure Results: From 1 April 2025, applicants will need to share their disclosure results with the organisation or notify Disclosure Scotland of their intention to seek a review before sharing.
- Change to Application Types: The types of disclosure applications will change from 1st April.
- Temporary Disclosure Application Freeze: Disclosure Scotland will implement a temporary freeze on online disclosure applications from 1 pm on Thursday 27th March until 1st April to facilitate essential work related to the Disclosure Act implementation. Application services will resume on Tuesday 1st April.
Support and Training:
Volunteer Scotland is offering free online training and support sessions to help organisations and individuals understand the new legislation and prepare for the changes.
- Information Sessions: Book here
- Regulated Roles online training: Book here
- Legal Requirement online training: Book here
- Drop-in Session: Find out more here
For further information or support, contact Volunteer Scotland’s Training and Compliance Team at complianceandtraining@volunteerscotland.org.uk
