The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. When someone applies to join the PVG Scheme, Disclosure Scotland carries out criminal records checks and shares the results with the individual and the employing agency, which in this case would be The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service.

The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 is essential in ensuring that those who are deemed unsuitable are prevented from working with children and/or protected adults.

It is imperative that anyone wishing to do regulated work with children and/or protected adults within the Church applies for scheme membership under the Church of Scotland. PVG Scheme membership for another organisation will not enable them to do regulated work within the Church context and a PVG Scheme update will be required.

This is also essential for ensuring that the Church is notified if anyone who is in post becomes unsuitable to work with children or protected adults.

For detailed guidance on whether or not someone requires PVG membership, please see our section on Determining Whether PVG Membership is Required.