How Updates to the PVG Scheme Will Affect the Youth Work Sector

On 1^st April 2025 the new Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 will come into force, making legislative changes which affect anyone working and volunteering with children and young people.

The Disclosure Act includes:

• The introduction of simplified disclosure products and people having more control over their information.
• An individualised approach to the disclosure of childhood offending and rights of review for convictions disclosed, to enhance fairness and proportionality.
• Replacing the concept of ‘regulated work’ with ‘regulated roles’, making it more easily understood.
• Membership of the PVG scheme will be a legal requirement from 1st April 2025 for those carrying out a regulated role.
• The ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing.

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland have created a useful guide to the changes that will come into effect, as well as where to look for further information. Thank you for sharing this with the sector.

There are a number of online information events available from Disclosure Scotland and Volunteer Scotland:

Disclosure Scotland is hosting FREE online information sessions entitled ‘Get Ready for the Disclosure Act’.

• These are currently taking place three times a week during the daytime.
• Sessions are 90 minutes long.
• Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams.
• Bookings are via Eventbrite.

Volunteer Scotland (the registered body which provides countersignatory disclosure services for the voluntary sector) is hosting FREE online ‘Disclosure Act Implementation Info sessions’.

• These are currently taking place several times a week, during the day, in the evening and at weekends.
• You can ask questions live in the session.
• Session are two hours long.
• Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams.
• Bookings are via Eventbrite.

Volunteer Scotland are also hosting FREE informal online ‘Disclosure Act Drop-in sessions’ aimed to answer any questions you have about your specific circumstances.

• These are currently taking twice a week, during the daytime and in the evening.
• Sessions are one hour long.
• Booking is not required. You are welcome to join any time during the session.

Recorded webinar:

• You can watch a one-hour recording of Volunteer Scotland’s information session, which was co-hosted by SCVO in December 2024.

Check if a role needs PVG scheme membership

This tool is designed to help you get ready for the changes to the disclosure system that come into force on 1 April. You should submit PVG applications as normal until then.

The tool should only be used as a guide. It’s to help you determine if a role needs PVG scheme membership. If you’re still unsure, contact Disclosure Scotland.