1st May 2025
VSDS April Update
In this update we will share some of our key achievements, highlight the training and support available to you, and provide important updates to help you stay informed and compliant. Whether you are looking for training opportunities, guidance on regulated roles, or help navigating the PVG scheme changes, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our Customer Support Team
In the last reporting year (2024-25), our customer support team processed just under 56,000 application requests and returned just over 1100 for further information. They answered over 5,000 telephone calls and responded to over 8,500 email enquires.
3-Month Grace Period Deadline Approaching
Membership in the PVG scheme is now a legal requirement for individuals carrying out a regulated role.
There is a 3-month grace period (1st April to 30th June) during which PVG scheme applications must be submitted for those who were in a regulated role prior to 1st April.
- Today’s date is 1st May.
- Today’s ‘working on’ date is 15th April
- The ‘working on’ date indicates that we are working to roughly a 12-day turnaround, meaning we are processing application requests received 12 working days ago.
- If you submit an application request today (1st May), we will likely be processing it around 19th May.
Please note that our ‘working on’ date may fluctuate depending on the volume of incoming applications and available resource. Therefore, it is imperative that you submit your applications as soon as possible to guarantee that you meet the deadline. Find our working on date on our website here.
Reminder of the changes to application types
The type of application you apply for changed on 1st April. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the new application types to ensure you are applying for the correct level.
- Level 2 – previously referred to as a Standard and Enhanced
- Level 2 with barred list check – previously referred to as an Enhanced Disclosure check with barred list
- PVG Scheme to Join previously referred to as a Scheme Record to Join and an Existing Member Scheme Record. This will be required for new applicants joining the PVG scheme for the first time AND also for those existing PVG scheme members adding a workforce they are not already a member for.
- PVG Scheme for Existing Members - previously referred to as a Scheme Record Update. This will be required for those existing PVG scheme members who are updating their membership for a workforce they are already a member for.
Alternative to PVG Online Application
The fastest way to apply for a PVG application is online. However, we understand this may not always be possible. For those needing an offline application, it can be downloaded here.
Once completed, please email the form to us at disclosures@volunteerscotland.org.uk. In the body of the email, include your Signatory Name, Enrolled Body Code, and Signatory Code. Please use the subject line “PVG Offline Application X”, where X represents the number of forms you are attaching.
Paper Certificate Results
There are occasions when a paper certificate result is provided. Please note that paper certificate results also require the applicant to provide consent to share and should contact Disclosure Scotland to do so, this will then release the organisational copy.
Online PVG Application Journey
Did you know that we have a visual document laying out the PVG application journey. This can be shared with your applicants to raise awareness of their responsibilities.
Our Training & Compliance Team
In the last reporting year (2024-25), our training team delivered a record number of sessions, following the implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. 183 sessions reaching 4,698 attendees. (This marks a 74.5% increase in training sessions and a 272% increase in attendees compared to the previous year.)
This engagement from signatories in understanding the key changes introduced by the Disclosure Act is essential to comply with the legal requirements and following the PVG scheme process.
Your Feedback
We collect feedback through short surveys after our Disclosure Act Information Sessions, here are a few examples.
Improving Your Understanding
We also asked attendees to rate their knowledge of the Disclosure Act before and after attending a session.
Prior to attending, only 8% of participants rated their knowledge as Excellent or Very Good.
Following the session, this figure rose to 67%, demonstrating the significant impact and value of the training in supporting signatories to understand and navigate the changes introduced by the Act.
Book your next training session!
If you haven’t attended any of our training, please check what we have available to help you understand your role as a signatory and your legal requirements.
All courses are free to enrolled organisations and will increase your knowledge on all aspects of PVG. Sessions available include:
Our Enrolment & Assessment Team
Record High Enrolments
In March, our Enrolment and Assessment team recorded the highest number of new organisation enrolments to date. Enrolment requests remain high, as it is now a legal requirement to join the PVG scheme for those in regulated roles.
Need support identifying a regulated role?
Please complete the regulated roles checklists with children and/or protected adults and submit to us to assess if they require PVG schemes
Download the checklists for regulated roles:
– Children Checklist and/or
– Protected Adult Checklist
Additional Helpful Guidance
Download Disclosure Scotland’s Guidance on Regulated Roles
We’ve seen a rise in applications under the regulated activity ‘holding a position of responsibility.’ View our guidance document to check if this applies to roles in your organisation.
Guidance and sample policies to help support you at each step of the PVG process are available on our website.