PVG scheme

Changes to criminal record checks in Scotland

The Scouts has updated guidance to make sure we’re all compliant with the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 by 1 April 2026. These changes mean many more people will need to join the PVG scheme, including:

• volunteers on parent rotas and helping at events and outings
• Young Leaders and Young Helpers aged 16 and 17
• people from outside Scotland visiting a Scout group in Scotland with Scouts.

• Full guidance: Changes to criminal record checks in Scotland
• Templates and the Region FAQ: South East Scotland Scouts safeguarding page
• Young Leader suggested templates: Young Leader suggested templates (Google Doc)

Submitting a PVG

Group Lead Volunteers can add adults onto the Scouts membership system directly. Existing members will already have a record on the membership system.

Alternatively, District will register people on completion of this form, and with their consent:

Guidance for applicants (online versions)

• PVG applicant’s guidance for volunteers aged 18+
• PVG applicant’s guidance for volunteers aged 16 to 17
• PVG applicant’s guidance for volunteers aged 15 (paper application)

Important points to note

• The volunteer must have logged into the system, completed the declaration and all the details, and completed their profile before a PVG can be submitted.
• Leaders with the ‘Disclosure Support Volunteer’ accreditation, or a Lead Volunteer, can check the ID themselves and follow the instructions on how to request a PVG (disclosure) in Scotland on the membership system to have the PVG email sent to the volunteer by the system.
• Three forms of ID must be checked, including one with a photo – see valid forms of ID for a PVG check.
• Forename, all middle names, surname, date of birth and address must be correct and match the ID and the system. Please also make sure we have the correct email address. Any incorrect information has to be fixed before the PVG is submitted.
• We need the PVG ID number from any existing PVG members. If they do not have access to the number, they need to contact Disclosure Scotland and give it to the person who checked the ID.
• When the email is received from Disclosure Scotland, the volunteer must follow the link and create or log in to their ScotAccount, then submit the PVG application. This must be done within 14 days.
• The PVG will take between 7 and 31 days to process and return. When it is returned, the volunteer must share it with the Scouts within 14 days if they do not wish to appeal the result. This enables the PVG to be recorded on the Scouts system.