Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVGS) is a service offered by Disclosure Scotland to enable organisations in the public, private and Voluntary sectors to make more informed decisions when recruiting for regulated work involving vulnerable people.^[1][2] It achieves this by analysing individuals criminal records.^[3]

It is similar to the Disclosure and Baring Service in England and Wales.

There are 4 different types of disclosure record available under the PVGS:

• Scheme record (for new joiners to the scheme)
• Existing scheme record (for those already with the scheme who want to work with a different vulnerable group)
• Scheme record group (for those already with the scheme who are joining a new organisation but working with the same vulnerable group)
• Scheme membership statement (for those employing others to partake in regular work, or self employed individuals partaking in regulated work)^[4]

A PVGS member's certificate only shows information available on the date of the check, however the scheme continuously monitors individuals, receiving updates through Disclosure Scotland whenever a scheme member is convicted of an offence.

It is, however, advised that organisations should seek updates on their staff's PVGS membership status every three years.^[5]

The PVGS was introduced in response to the Bichard report which was undertaken after the Soham murders in 2002.^[6] As recommended by the report the scheme involves continuous updating into its checks. It came into full force in February 2011.^[7]