Almost one year since the PVG scheme changed to better protect vulnerable groups

20 March 2026 – Disclosure Scotland is marking one year since a major milestone in Scottish safeguarding law came into force.

124,334 people have joined the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme since last April, following the implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. 

From 1 April 2025, membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme became a legal requirement for anyone carrying out a regulated role with children, protected adults, or both, whether paid or voluntary. This means that individuals must be a member of the PVG scheme before they can begin these roles, providing a stronger layer of protection for some of Scotland's most vulnerable people. 

The Disclosure Act reflects a commitment to protecting the public while recognising the importance of rehabilitation, giving people the opportunity to move on from past offending where it is safe and appropriate to do so. 

Employers and organisations across Scotland are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that anyone carrying out a regulated role is a member of the PVG scheme before starting work. Individuals and organisations can use Disclosure Scotland’s regulated roles guidance, online checker tool, and our regulated roles video to help determine if a role is a regulated role and requires PVG scheme membership.