Summary of Changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme Effective from 1 April 2025

As we approach the 1st of April, significant changes to Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme will come into effect. These updates aim to enhance safeguarding measures and simplify the disclosure process.

Below is an overview of the key changes:

 

• Mandatory PVG Membership: Individuals performing regulated roles with children, protected adults, or both must join the PVG Scheme. This change expands the scope of roles requiring PVG membership.

 

• Definition of Regulated Roles: The term 'regulated work' is replaced with 'regulated roles.' While many roles remain unchanged, some positions previously not covered will now require PVG checks.

 

• New Roles Added: Certain positions are newly classified as regulated roles and necessitate PVG membership.

 

• Organisational Responsibilities: Organisations are accountable for ensuring that PVG membership is obtained for those in regulated roles before offering Job and Volunteering Opportunities. Offering regulated roles without appropriate PVG checks becomes a legal offence. It means that the HR team will need to ask successful candidates to apply for PVG membership before we can make a job offer to them. The PVG application process might take up to 14 working days, before we will be able to proceed with a formal job offer. Again, we will take care of all the paperwork and will make sure to follow the legal procedure!

 

• Fees Structure:

  • New Applicant: £59

  • Existing Member (Changing/adding Group Category):£59

  • Existing Member (Same Group different organisation): £18

 

• Limited 5 Year Membership: From 1 April 2026, lifetime PVG memberships will transition to time-limited memberships, requiring renewal every five years. Further details on this change will be provided closer to the implementation date.

 

We are committed to ensuring that our policies and procedures remain current and compliant with the upcoming PVG Scheme changes. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to speak to HR. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.