1st April 2025
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act) is now live!
Here's a quick reminder of what you need to know.
The Disclosure Act improves the disclosure system in Scotland by removing unnecessary barriers for people with convictions as they seek employment or other opportunities, and enhance the PVG scheme.
Key changes under the Disclosure Act include:
- Membership of the PVG scheme is now a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role.
- replacing the concept of ‘regulated work’ with ‘regulated roles’.
- 3-month grace period from the 1st April – 30th June for PVG scheme applications to be submitted for individuals who are currently in a regulated role.
- simplified disclosure products and people having more control over their information.
- an individualised approach to the disclosure of childhood offending and rights of review for convictions disclosed, to enhance fairness and proportionality.
- the ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing.
Guidance to help you understand these changes
Call to Action - Update your Policies
We have created the call to action guide to help you review and implement the key changes introduced by the new legislation which affect your policies. Download it now to ensure you’ve made all the necessary updates and remain compliant.
Frequently asked questions on the Disclosure Act
We have created this FAQ document to help you with commonly asked questions. Please refer to this in the first instance before contacting us.
Regulated Role Guides and Checklists
We have a Regulated Roles guidance section on our website where you will find our checklists, guidance from Disclosure Scotland and information relating to board members, committee members, trustees and directors.
Training and Support Sessions
oin our FREE online sessions to learn about the Disclosure Act, key changes, and compliance. Chat with our training team, ask questions, and get helpful guidance. Available sessions include:
- Disclosure Act Information Sessions: Book here
- Regulated Roles: Book here
- Legal Requirements: Book here
We also have drop-in sessions where you can join and ask questions relating to the changes within the Disclosure Act. Find out more here
Our team is available to assist you with any questions or additional support you may need regarding the implementation of the Disclosure Act. Contact them via email: complianceandtraining@volunteerscotland.org.uk
Key changes for your applicants/volunteers
Under the Disclosure Act, applicants have new responsibilities. To avoid recruitment delays, please continue informing them of these requirements.
Sharing their Disclosure Results
- Applicants will have to provide consent to share a copy of their disclosure result with the recruiting organisation OR Notify Disclosure Scotland that they will seek a review of the content of their disclosure.
- Applicants will have 14 days, from the date of completion, to share their disclosure result with their organisation or notify Disclosure Scotland they intend to seek a review.
- Applicants will receive a reminder to share their disclosure result 5 and 12 days after the result is ready.
- Applicants will no longer be able request a paper copy of the disclosure result via their online account.
We anticipate delays - Thank you for your patience!
Due to these changes we anticipate a higher volume of applications, support and enrolment requests than usual, leading to longer turnaround times.
We ask that you check our ‘Working on Date’ on the website before contacting us.
We will continue to provide latest news and updates. Thank you again for your patience.
Claire Laurie
Operations Manager
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS)
Kirsty Barrett
Quality & Improvement Manager
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS)