30 days until change to PVG scheme memberships

2 March 2026 – From 1 April 2026, new applicants joining the PVG scheme will become scheme membersfor five years from the date they join.  

Existing members making a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme application will automatically move to a five-year membership, ending their lifetime membership. Current PVG scheme members who don’t make a new application will be moved, in phases, from lifetime to five-year membership. This will be done in ‘join’ order, with those ‘joining’ the PVG scheme in 2011 being moved over first. 

No action is required from applicants or countersignatories (CSGs), until Disclosure Scotland contacts them, to move to the five-year membership. 

There is no change to the current application process for individuals and organisations. No additional fees will be applied under the five-year PVG scheme, and you will continue to be charged per application. 

Disclosure Scotland advises not to apply for a PVG scheme application earlier than you would usually or change how often you apply.  

Every five years, renewal of a PVG scheme membership will be required. Renewing PVG scheme membership will be a separate process from submitting a PVG scheme application.