Disclosure Scotland (DS) & PVG Checks

Yes. Self-employed individuals can apply to join the PVG Scheme if their work qualifies as a regulated role with children or protected adults.

In many cases, self-employed workers can:

• Apply through a registered body
• Use an umbrella organisation
• Apply as part of a contracting arrangement with a client organisation

Since April 2025, PVG membership is legally required for anyone carrying out regulated roles in Scotland, including qualifying self-employed professionals.

Learn more at PVG Scheme Guidance.

A PVG disclosure may include:

• Criminal convictions
• Relevant police intelligence
• Barred list checks
• Ongoing monitoring status

Unlike a one-off criminal record check, PVG membership involves continuous monitoring. If relevant new information arises after joining the scheme, Disclosure Scotland may notify organisations linked to the individual's PVG membership.

PVG checks are commonly required for:

• Teachers
• Care workers
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Childcare professionals
• Sports coaches
• Volunteers
• Self-employed professionals working with vulnerable groups

Not every role automatically requires PVG membership. Eligibility depends on whether the role qualifies as a regulated role under Scottish legislation.

You can review the official PVG eligibility guidance.

Historically, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) membership in Scotland was granted for life unless an individual left the scheme or became barred from regulated work. However, under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act reforms, PVG membership is now moving to a five-year renewal system.

The change was introduced to modernise Scotland’s safeguarding framework, improve the accuracy of membership records, and ensure that individuals working with children and protected adults remain appropriately monitored throughout their careers. The Scottish Government and Disclosure Scotland recognised that lifelong membership could result in outdated records, inactive memberships remaining open indefinitely, and reduced visibility over who was actively carrying out regulated roles.

Under the new system, PVG members will renew their membership every five years, helping keep contact details, employment information, and safeguarding checks up to date. The changes also strengthen public protection by creating a more active and regularly reviewed safeguarding process for employers, organisations, and self-employed professionals working in regulated roles.

Further information is available from Disclosure Scotland PVG Guidance.

The main difference is geographical jurisdiction:

• Disclosure Scotland checks apply to candidates working in Scotland
• DBS checks apply to candidates working in England and Wales

Scotland operates under separate disclosure legislation and uses the PVG scheme instead of the DBS barred list framework.

Most Disclosure Scotland applications are processed within approximately 14 days, although turnaround times can vary depending on:

• Check type
• Identity verification requirements
• Application accuracy
• Disclosure Scotland processing volumes