Disclosure & PVG Checks in Scotland
Trusted support for safer recruitment and compliance
Creating safe, trusted environments starts with having the right checks in place. At Precision Pathways, we are an accredited body with Disclosure Scotland, authorised to process Disclosure and PVG applications for individuals, employers and organisations across Scotland.
Whether you are a small business, HR manager, recruiter or organisation working with children or protected adults, having the correct safeguarding checks in place is not just good practice but a legal responsibility.
This service gives you confidence that you have carried out due diligence and peace of mind that your team, clients and community are properly protected.
Accredited support for completing and submitting Level 1, Level 2 and PVG applications accurately and efficiently.
Clarifying which roles qualify as regulated, ensuring the correct level of Disclosure or PVG check is carried out for every position.
Expert advice to help businesses, recruiters and charities understand safeguarding requirements and meet legal obligations.
Helping organisations maintain up to date records, renew PVG memberships and stay compliant with evolving Disclosure Scotland standards.
What Are Disclosure and PVG Checks
Disclosure checks are official criminal record checks carried out by Disclosure Scotland. They help employers make safer recruitment decisions by providing relevant information about a person’s criminal history.
There are different levels of checks depending on the nature of the role and the level of responsibility involved.
Level 1 Disclosure
A Level 1 Disclosure replaces the previous Basic Disclosure. It shows any unspent criminal convictions. It can be requested by individuals or employers and is commonly used for roles that do not involve direct work with vulnerable groups but still require a background check.
Examples include financial services, insurance advisers or general employment roles.
Level 2 and Level 2 with Barred List Check
Level 2 and Level 2 with barred list check replace the previous Standard and Enhanced Disclosures. These are more detailed checks and are typically used for roles involving a higher level of trust or responsibility.
Examples include accountants and financial advisers, company directors, charity trustees, foster carers, adoption panel members, legal professionals and those handling sensitive or financial data for the public.
These checks may include:
Details of spent and unspent convictions
Relevant police information
Barred list information where applicable
PVG Scheme Membership
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is specifically for people who work with children or protected adults in regulated roles. Being a PVG member means your background is continuously monitored for relevant changes, helping to maintain ongoing safeguarding and compliance.
From 1 April 2025, it became a legal requirement in Scotland for anyone working in a regulated role with children or protected adults to be a PVG Scheme member. A grace period is in place until 30 June 2025, allowing time for those already in regulated roles to apply. From 1 July 2025, it will be an offence to work in or offer a regulated role without PVG membership.
From April 2026, PVG membership will last five years and will require renewal to stay active.
From April 2025, applicants must share their disclosure certificate with the accredited body or notify Disclosure Scotland if they intend to request a review. This change gives applicants greater control and transparency over their own information.
Who Needs a PVG Check
You may need a PVG check if you:
Teach, coach or support children or protected adults
Manage or run an organisation providing regulated services
Recruit or place staff into regulated roles
Employ individuals who visit schools, care homes or healthcare settings
PVG checks are organisation-specific, and each role must be assessed individually to confirm if it qualifies as a regulated role. One PVG membership may not cover multiple employers or volunteer settings.
If you are unsure whether your role counts as a regulated role, you are not alone. Many people do not realise their role qualifies until they speak to someone who can help. That is where Precision Pathways can guide you.
How Precision Pathways Can Help
As an accredited body with Disclosure Scotland, Precision Pathways can process both Disclosure and PVG applications and help you understand exactly what you need for your role or business.
We support:
Business owners to meet legal obligations and protect their teams
HR managers and recruiters to embed safer recruitment and onboarding
Charities and youth organisations to maintain compliance and safeguarding standards
Individuals who need the correct level of check for professional or voluntary roles
Our process is clear, personal and efficient. We handle the details so you can focus on running your organisation with confidence.
Why Disclosure Checks Matter for Businesses
For employers and recruiters, Disclosure and PVG checks build trust.
Hiring is an investment, and safeguarding that investment protects your business reputation and your clients’ confidence. These checks confirm that the people representing your business are suitable, responsible and safe to work with.
Key benefits include:
Demonstrating due diligence
Reducing risk in recruitment
Building credibility with clients and partners
Creating safer and more trusted workplaces
Providing peace of mind for employers and staff
In industries with seasonal or temporary staffing, implementing proper checks ensures smoother onboarding and greater security for everyone involved.
Our Process
We make Disclosure and PVG checking straightforward from start to finish:
Initial consultation: We discuss your needs and determine which level of check is required.
Application support: We handle the paperwork and make sure everything is accurate and compliant.
Verification: As an accredited body, we verify identity and eligibility in line with Disclosure Scotland standards.
Submission and tracking: We submit your application securely and monitor progress.
Results and guidance: We help you interpret the results and maintain compliant records for your business.
Whether you need a one-off check or ongoing support for multiple employees, we make the process simple and reliable.
Safeguarding Made Simple
Disclosure and PVG checks are not a box-ticking exercise; they are part of building environments where people feel safe, supported and valued.
At Precision Pathways, our approach to safeguarding reflects our wider focus on wellbeing, performance and trust. From small businesses and community groups to national networks, we support people and organisations that care about doing things properly.
Getting Started
If you are unsure which check applies to your role or organisation, get in touch. We will help you identify what you need and make sure your safeguarding measures are complete.
Email us or send a message through our contact form to arrange a quick chat about Disclosure and PVG checks.
Precision Pathways is here to help you protect what matters most; your people, your clients and your peace of mind.
Guiding Steps Ltd, trading as Precision Pathways, is an accredited body authorised by Disclosure Scotland to process Disclosure and PVG applications across Scotland.
