Starting Tuesday 1 April 2025, the PVG scheme will become a legal requirement across Scotland, as part of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 aims to improve the disclosure system in Scotland by removing unnecessary barriers for people with convictions who are seeking employment or other opportunities, while also enhancing the PVG scheme. Changes include:

membership of the PVG scheme will be a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role
the ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing

To support you through this change, Volunteer Scotland have organised a series of information and drop-in sessions throughout January and February, to provide practical support and insights into the new requirements. These sessions are updated regularly to reflect the latest information from Disclosure Scotland. They have also put together a dedicated Disclosure Act webpage, with key resources and guidance to support organisations and groups during the transition.

Information Sessions

Hosted online, these are FREE weekend and evening sessions lasting 2 hours with the opportunity to ask questions. Booking is required for this session and can be done through the Volunteer Scotland Eventbrite page. The next available dates for these sessions are: Monday 3 February, 2pm–4pm; Thursday 6 February, 2pm–4pm; Friday 7 February, 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm; Monday 10 February, 6.30pm–8.30pm; Tuesday 18 February, 2pm–4pm; Thursday 20 February, 10am–12pm.

Please note: The content of the online Information Sessions are continually updated as Volunteer Scotland receive new details about the Disclosure Act. Even if you have attended a session previously, they recommend joining another one closer to the implementation date (1 April 2025) to stay informed about the latest changes and requirements.

Drop-In Sessions

Hosted online, these are FREE informal chat / Q&A sessions where attendees are welcome to join at any point during the scheduled session time with no booking required. You can join using this Microsoft Teams portal(linked for your convenience). The next available dates for these sessions are: Monday 3 February, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Thursday 6 February, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Tuesday 11 February, 10am–11am; Wednesday 12 February, 2pm–3pm; Wednesday 19 February, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Thursday 20 February, 2pm–3pm.

For all topics covered in the Information Sessions, all available dates for both session types, and more, please visit the Volunteer Scotland website.

For any questions or additional support you may need regarding the implementation of the Disclosure Act, you can contact the Volunteer Scotland team via email: complianceandtraining@volunteerscotland.org.uk

Locally, our team at CVS Falkirk & District are here to help you navigate the new requirements, and prepare for the changes your team need to make before April. Our support builds on Volunteer Scotland’s sessions to give tailored guidance for your group or organisation, including the different levels of Disclosure checking that will be available under the new Act, and what level your team members should select.

Alternatively, further information is also available on the following useful links:

For guidance and support through this change for your Falkirk District group, please contact our team at CVS Falkirk by phone: 01324 692000, or email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk