Your PVG scheme membership changes today
From today, 1 April 2026, new applicants joining the PVG scheme will become scheme members for a five-year period from the date of joining.
1 April 2026 - The new membership model replaces lifetime membership for Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme members. This change ensures scheme membership remains current and supports safeguarding by keeping information up to date.
Existing members who submit a PVG scheme application will automatically transition to a five-year membership, bringing their lifetime membership to an end.
Current PVG scheme members who do not submit a new application will be moved from lifetime to five-year membership in phases, following 'join' order, with those who joined the PVG scheme in 2011 being the first to transition.
Applicants and countersignatories (CSGs) do not need to take any action until they are contacted by Disclosure Scotland regarding the move to five-year membership.
This reform is an important step towards a safer, more accurate safeguarding system, one that better reflects who is actively carrying out regulated roles and gives organisations the confidence that their records are up to date and data is secure.
The current application process for individuals and organisations remains unchanged. Charges will continue to be applied per application. There is no added cost related to five-year membership
Disclosure Scotland’s Chief Executive, Gerard Hart, said:
“The PVG scheme is a national cornerstone in protecting children and vulnerable adults, but it is also important that it remains proportionate and targeted to those doing regulated roles.
“Being in the PVG scheme demonstrates to employers and service users alike that safeguarding values underpin Scotland’s public services, allowing the public to use these services with increased confidence and assurance."
There is more information on the five-year scheme and how your PVG scheme membership is changing on Disclosure Scotland’s website.
Notes to editors
About Disclosure Scotland
Disclosure Scotland are an executive agency of the Scottish Government. They help organisations make safer decisions when they are recruiting people. They manage the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which helps to ensure that people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot carry out a regulated role with these vulnerable groups. The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 will make the PVG scheme a legal requirement in Scotland from 1 April 2025, for those individuals who are to carry out a regulated role.