Why the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme Matters for Safe Hiring
When hiring staff who work with children or adults in care, safeguarding isn’t just a best practice—it’s the law. In Scotland, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme plays a vital role in safeguarding by confirming that people in regulated roles are safe to work with vulnerable groups.
This guide explains what the PVG Scheme is, why it matters, and how employers can navigate the process confidently.
What Is the PVG Scheme?
The PVG scheme is managed by Disclosure Scotland and was introduced under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 to replace older disclosure systems. Unlike one-off background checks, the scheme provides:
- Continuous monitoring of individuals in regulated roles.
- Legal compliance for organisations working with vulnerable groups.
It was developed following recommendations from the Bichard Inquiry after the 2002 Soham murders, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safeguarding.
See how Staffvetting.com can help you handle the PVG process with confidence.
Who Counts as a “Vulnerable Group”?
Under the PVG Scheme, a “Vulnerable Group” includes:
- Children
- Protected adults – a person aged 16 or over who receives a type of care, support, or welfare service, which includes health services, welfare services, community care services, and registered care services.
If a role involves regular, direct, and unsupervised contact with these groups, it is considered regulated work.
Is PVG Membership Mandatory?
Yes. From 1 April 2025, it is a legal requirement for anyone carrying out regulated work in Scotland to be a PVG Scheme member.
Employing, or allowing someone to work, in a regulated role without PVG membership is an offence. This applies not just to frontline staff but also to managers overseeing regulated roles.
Roles That Need PVG Scheme Membership
A regulated role is any position that involves significant contact with children or protected adults, or one where the person holds a position of power or influence over these groups.
Because job duties evolve over time, there isn’t a single definitive list of regulated roles. However, some professions are always covered. These include:
- Teachers
- Social workers
- Sports coaches
Both paid and voluntary positions can fall under the scheme if they meet the criteria.
Not sure if a role requires membership? Disclosure Scotland provides an online tool to help employers and individuals check whether a specific position needs PVG clearance.
Types of PVG Applications
There are four main types of PVG application, depending on whether you’re new to the scheme or already a member.
- PVG Scheme Disclosure (Join): for new members or existing members adding another vulnerable group
- PVG Scheme Disclosure (Existing): for current members continuing with the same group and allowing a new organisation to access their record
- Confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership (Join): confirms a new applicant has joined the scheme and is not barred
- Confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership (Existing): confirms membership for employers without including conviction details
Costs of PVG Checks
As of 2025, fees are:
- New PVG membership – £59
- Update for existing members – £18
- Volunteers – free (if the role qualifies through a voluntary organisation)
Why PVG Checks Matter
The PVG Scheme isn’t just about compliance—it’s about trust. By ensuring unsuitable individuals cannot access vulnerable groups, it strengthens confidence in schools, healthcare, charities, and care services across Scotland.
For employers, it reduces legal risk, protects organisational reputation, and—most importantly—safeguards the people who need it most.
In Conclusion
PVG checks are now an essential part of safe hiring in Scotland. They go beyond a simple background check by offering ongoing monitoring, making them one of the strongest safeguarding systems in the UK.
Find out how Staffvetting.com can simplify the PVG process for your organisation with clarity and efficiency—so you can focus on building safe, trusted teams.