Protection of Vulnerable Groups
The University is committed to providing a safe and protected environment for its staff and students at all times.
We comply fully with the relevant legislation and statutory guidance to ensure that, where relevant, applicants, employees and students are members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (the PVG Scheme) which has been introduced by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (the 2007 Act).
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and to providing an environment that is free from unfair and unlawful discrimination.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme
Please note this Policy is currently under review by People & OD subject to the new scheme changes being introduced on 1 April 2025.
Scheme Changes from 1 April 2025
With effect from April 1, 2025, it will be a legal requirement for individuals to be members of the PVG Scheme to perform regulated roles involving children, protected adults, or both.
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) Act 2007 came into being as a response to the Bichard Inquiry report that called for a registration scheme for all those who work with children and protected adults.
Following the amendment to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, which focused on protecting the public, while balancing the need for people to move on from offending and also simplifying the process for disclosing criminal history information, the changes to the PVG scheme membership, will give new powers to Disclosure Scotland.
From 1st April 2025, it will be a legal requirement for individuals to be a member of the PVG Scheme when carrying out a regulated role with children, protected adults, or both.
‘Regulated work’ will be replaced by ‘regulated role’. Roles which are currently included under regulated work, will also be regulated roles and work which is currently regulated, will remain regulated. However, the introduction of the ‘regulated role’ will bring new roles into the PVG scheme that are currently not regulated work.
Changes to Disclosure Checks:
- Level 1' and 'Level 2' checks will replace the current basic, standard, enhanced and PVG disclosure levels
- Individuals will be able to ask for an independent review of some disclosure content
- Individuals will be able to explain the context for certain spent or childhood convictions before they're disclosed
The PVG scheme remains mandatory for people in regulated roles with children and protected adults or both.
Changes to the PVG Act from July 2025
Two new offences will come into force:
- Anyone carrying out a regulated role whilst not a member of the PVG scheme
- Organisations to offer any type of regulated role to an individual where they have not received a Level 2 PVG disclosure check
This adds to the existing offences under the PVG Act. For example, it will continue to be an offence for an individual to seek, agree to do or carry out a regulated role if the individual is barred from working with children, protected adults or both. Similarly, the University must not offer a regulated role to someone who is barred from that type of regulated role.
Fees
The current fees remain the same:
- Basic Disclosure / Level 1 - £25
- PVG Scheme Record / Level 2 (PVG) (Join) - £59
- PVG Scheme Record / Level 2 (PVG) (Existing) - £18
What's Not Changing
Continuous monitoring of PVG Scheme members
Suitability updates on PVG scheme members to interested parties
The University’s duty to refer
Barred status applies across the UK
The University must notify Disclosure Scotland when a PVG scheme member ceases to undertake regulated work
PVG Members must update Disclosure Scotland when there are any changes to their personal details
Future Changes
With effect from April 1, 2026, the lifetime membership of the PVG scheme will be replaced by a time-limited scheme membership, with renewal required every five years. The transition period of existing scheme members to time-limited membership is being reviewed by Disclosure Scotland to understand what will be required and further information to be provided as soon as possible.
Check if a role needs PVG scheme membership tool
PVG Scheme – Regulated Roles Guidance
PVG Scheme – Regulated Roles Video
Apply for a Level 1 or Level 2 check (not available until 1 April)
Apply to for a PVG Scheme certificate (not available until 1 April)