The RYA is the Umbrella Body for all Enhanced Disclosure checks carried out on behalf of Volunteer Scotland. If you would like to register with the RYA or request an information pack, please contact us at disclosure@rya.org.uk. At the bottom of this page you will find a list of additional resources that you may find beneficial.

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme was introduced in February 2011 under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.It replaced the previous Disclosure arrangements. The Scheme is operated on behalf of the Scottish Government by Disclosure Scotland.For the voluntary sector, the process is administered byVolunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS). In Scotland, anyone whose role involves 'regulated work' should now be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, including those previously checked under the old Disclosure scheme.

Being a member of the PVG scheme

Responsibilities of Scheme members:

1. You have joined the PVG Scheme to work with children OR protected adults OR both. This will be shown on your Statement of Scheme membership
2. You should keep your certificate safe. You will need it if you do regulated work with another organisation in the future
3. You may want to keep a separate note of your PVG Scheme membership number, it is on your certificate. Format : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
4. Now that you are a member of the Scheme, you should only apply for disclosure checks in the future using the “Existing PVG Scheme Member” application form. You will need to enter your PVG Scheme membership number each time you complete this form

5. The Scheme is administered by Disclosure Scotland and therefore you need to keep Disclosure Scotland informed of changes in your circumstances: 

   • If you change address, you should notify Disclosure Scotland in writing. You will need to quote your PVG Scheme Membership Number to do this.

   • If you change your name OR your gender, you MUST notify Disclosure Scotland. It is an offence not to do so.

   • If you stop working or volunteering for an organisation which has done a PVG check on you, you should notify Disclosure Scotland. You can find out how to do this at: https://www.mygov.scot/manage-pvg/

6. If you wish to appeal against information shown on your disclosure certificate, you can find out how to do this at: https://www.mygov.scot/manage-pvg/appealing-convictions/

7. Contact details for Disclosure Scotland:

   Disclosure Scotland
   PO Box 250
   Glasgow,
   G51 1YU
   Phone: 03000 2000 40
   Email: info@disclosurescotland.gsi.gov.uk

The Online PVG Application Service allows applications to be submitted more efficiently and accurately.

There are many benefits to the new online service including a quicker over all application process. The new process cuts down admin time for both the Organisation and the Applicant and eliminates the need for multiple downloads each. Users will also experience a quicker turnaround time from start to finish i.e you will receive your certificate much quicker than before! To begin the process follow the information detailed below.

Relevant Resources

Downloadable Online Application Request Form

PVG Scheme Guidance

Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services Presentation