Protected Vulnerable Group (PVG) Scheme: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re working with children or protected adults, your organisation might require you to join the PVG scheme. It’s a lifetime membership managed by Disclosure Scotland that ensures you’re the right fit for this kind of work.

What is Meant by PVG Scheme

The PVG scheme is your safety net when working with children and vulnerable adults. It ensures you’re the right person for the job.

How it works:

· Background checks: When you apply for a job or volunteer opportunity, potential employers will check your PVG status.

· Criminal record checks: Disclosure Scotland reviews your criminal history and shares the results with you and your employer.

· Ongoing monitoring: As a PVG member, your criminal record is constantly checked for any red flags.

· Potential consequences: If you commit a crime that raises concerns about your suitability, you might be removed from the PVG scheme.

Why Join the PVG Scheme?

If you’re working or studying with vulnerable groups, the PVG scheme is likely a requirement. Some courses even have optional modules that need PVG membership.

What’s in a PVG Check?

A PVG check reveals a lot about your past, including:

• Criminal convictions: Both spent and unspent.
• Cautions and warnings: Any relevant disciplinary actions.
• Police intelligence: Relevant information from law enforcement.
• Other non-conviction information: Anything else that might be relevant.

Different Types of PVG Disclosure Records

There are four types of PVG disclosure records:

· Scheme Record: For joining the PVG scheme for regulated work.

· Existing Scheme Record: For PVG members working with a different vulnerable group.

· Scheme Record Update: For PVG members who work with the same vulnerable group but join a different organisation.

· Scheme Membership Statement: For self-employed individuals or employers doing regulated work.

What Jobs Does the PVG Scheme Cover

The PVG scheme isn’t for every job or volunteer role. It only applies to “regulated work” involving children or protected adults. This usually includes:

· Caregiving: Looking after children or protected adults.

· Teaching or supervision: Educating or overseeing children or protected adults.

· Personal services: Providing personal care to children or protected adults.

· Unsupervised contact: Having one-on-one time with children or protected adults.

Examples of regulated roles:

· Nurses

· Childminders

· Girl Guide leaders

· Dentists

Positions of trust:

· Certain council committees

· Trustees of children’s or protected adults’ charities

International work:

Aid agencies can apply for PVG checks for staff or volunteers working with children or protected adults outside the UK, if that work would be considered regulated in Scotland.

Joining the PVG Scheme

If you carry out regulated work with vulnerable groups, your employer may require you to join the PVG scheme.

How to apply:

1. Employer-initiated: Your employer will start the application process online.

2. Email completion: You will receive the second section of the application by email.

Fees:

• It costs £18 or £59 to join the scheme.
• Your employer will let you know if they will cover the cost or whether you must pay it.

For more information visit https://www.complygate.co.uk/pvg-check-pvg-scheme