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Common Ground News

What does a PVG check involve?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 07, 2026

What does a PVG check involve?

The PVG Scheme is for people doing 'regulated work' with children and protected adults. A PVG certificate contains all unspent and certain spent conviction information. It also contains any other non-conviction information that the police or other government bodies think is relevant.

Simply so, what would fail a PVG check?

If the individual is barred, PVG Scheme Membership will be refused. If any vetting information identifies conduct which has a bearing on the individual's suitability to do regulated work, application for PVG Scheme Membership will be considered by Protection Services.

Likewise, what documents do I need for a PVG check? As a minimum requirement, we need to see three forms of identity documents, one should be photographic (i.e. passport or photo driving licence); along with two other documents which provide proof of your date of birth and current address – such as a recent utility bill, a credit card statement, bank statement or a

Keeping this in consideration, how long does a PVG check take in Scotland?

The length of time varies depending on various factors such as volumes of applications at both ourselves and Disclosure Scotland. We generally say anywhere between 2-6 weeks however we cannot guarantee this turnaround time as it can vary.

What can stop you getting a Pvg?

Continuous checking of PVG scheme members

Depending on the type of offence committed, Disclosure Scotland might place you under consideration for being barred from working with either children or protected adults, or both. Conviction of serious offences like murder or rape result in being immediately barred.

How do I check my PVG?

Your PVG number is shown on your certificate under your name and date of birth details. It will be 16 digits long and start with the last two digits of the year you first applied.

How long do PVG checks take?

Most PVG applications are completed within 14 days (not including postage time). If you've made any mistakes, or if we have to make any extra checks, your application may take longer to complete.

Can you work without a Pvg?

No. The University must receive your PVG scheme membership certificate and be satisfied that there is no impediment to you working in a regulated role before you can commence employment with the University.

Who needs a PVG check?

Only people who do regulated work with children and protected adults need to join the PVG Scheme. It does not apply to parents helping their children or to personal arrangements that parents may make with friends and family to look after their children.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

People often ask me whether a criminal conviction falls off their record after seven years. The answer is no. Your criminal history record is a list of your arrests and convictions. When you apply for a job, an employer will usually hire a consumer reporting agency to run your background.

Is Pvg the same as Disclosure Scotland?

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.

How long does a Disclosure Scotland take?

How long does it take? 90% of disclosure applications are completed within 14 days (not including postage time). You should receive your certificate within this time if there are no mistakes or requests for further information.

How much is a PVG check?

It costs £59 to join the PVG scheme unless you're a coronavirus response worker or volunteer. The organisation you're applying with will tell you if you need to pay the joining fee or if they'll pay for it. Some workers can get a free PVG disclosure.

Is a basic disclosure the same as a PVG?

Disclosure and The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

All other students undertaking research projects with vulnerable groups are required by the School to apply for basic disclosure. If they are working with a partner body which needs a higher level of disclosure, students will need to apply for this.

Does a fiscal fine show up on a PVG?

A fixed penalty does not constitute a conviction so there is no issue as regards ***** ***** spent because it isn't a conviction to start with. It will only show up on a PVG if it is considered relevant to the purpose of the PVG enquiry. I hope that helps.

How long do convictions stay on your record Scotland?

Spent convictions that are disclosed according to rules

The rules are that these convictions will appear on your disclosure for: 15 years, if you were 18 or over at the date of conviction. 7 years and 6 months, if you were under 18 at the date of conviction.

Do I have to tell an employer about my criminal record?

Practical information & advice. You only have to disclose your record to an employer if they ask you. Many employers ask at some point and if your convictions are unspent, you legally need to disclose them. If they ask you and you don't disclose, they could later revoke the job offer or you could be dismissed.

How do I get a Pvg clearance?

The quickest way to apply for PVG is online. If you cannot complete a PVG application online, you can ask for a paper application form and return this by post.

How often should PVG checks be done?

Our existing Protecting Vulnerable Groups – Guidance for Care Inspectorate Staff and Service Providers advises that providers should seek updates on individual staff PVG Scheme membership every three years.

How much is a Basic Disclosure check?

Apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS ) check to get a copy of your criminal record. This is called 'basic disclosure'. It costs £23. It's available for people working in England and Wales.

Do I need to update my PVG?

PVG membership lasts for life, unless you choose to leave the scheme. If you get barred from working with children and protected adults after joining the PVG scheme, you'll also be removed from the scheme. You should update your record with Disclosure Scotland if your contact details change.

How do I carry out a DBS check?

You'll need to choose a company from the list of 'responsible organisations' registered with DBS to process checks. They will carry out the check and tell you the outcome once it's complete. The applicant will receive their certificate by post. They can also set up a DBS online account to view the certificate online.

How do I find my PVG member ID?

Your 16 digit PVG scheme membership number can be found on your PVG certificate. If you have lost your certificate you should call Disclosure Scotland on 03000 2000 40 to request your number.

What is a DBS PVG check?

PVG and Disclosure Scotland

They run criminal records checks on people applying for certain jobs and issue certificates. PVG is the name of the scheme operated by Disclosure Scotland. PVG stands for Protecting Vulnerable Groups, and sums up nicely what the process is about.

What ID do I need for disclosure Scotland?

When submitting a Basic disclosure application, three forms of identification should be provided, one of which MUST include photographic ID (passport preferably) and one must include the applicants address details, e.g. utility bill, rental agreement/mortgage, or bank statement.
It is not a legal requirement that a person doing regulated work is a member of the PVG scheme. However, the only way for a person to prove that they are not barred is to become a member of the PVG scheme.

Do you have to declare unspent convictions?

Only unspent convictions matter. Even if asked, you do not have to disclose any convictions that are spent. Convictions become 'spent' a certain time after the date of conviction, and after that they're not allowed to count against you. That's the law according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

How long do spent convictions stay on record?

Spent and unspent convictions

Any custodial sentence over two and a half years stays unspent. If you were found guilty of a criminal offence by a court, following the specified time-period, your conviction will be considered “spent”. The specified time is the rehabilitation period.