Protection of Vulnerable Groups - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a child and a protected adult under the PVG Scheme?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:10


The definition of a child under the PVG Scheme is someone who is under the age of eighteen.

The defintion of a protected adult under the PVG Scheme is someone who is aged sixteen or over, and in receipt of certain prescribed services, such as:
  • Registered care service
  • Health service
  • Community care service
  • Welfare service

Will the University pay for my PVG application?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:10


If membership of the PVG Scheme is an essential requirement of your role, your School/RI/Service will meet the cost of you joining the Scheme.

What happens after I become a PVG Scheme member?

Last updated: Sat Oct 28 10:57


Disclosure Scotland keeps checking your suitability to continue working with children or protected adults. If they find new information which means you might have become unsuitable to work with children or protected adults, they'll tell the University.

What is regulated work under the PVG Scheme?

Last updated: Sat Oct 28 10:57


There are 2 types of regulated work – work with children and work with protected adults. Regulated work is usually jobs including:
  • caring responsibilities
  • teaching or supervising children and/or protected adults
  • providing personal services to children and/or protected adults
  • working directly with children and/or protected adults

My staff member will conduct regulated work but they do not have a PVG check yet. What should I do?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:07


Staff members are required to have a PVG check undertaken by the University to undertake regulated work. Where this check has not taken place, Heads of College/the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, may at their discretion, permit the staff member to undertake regulated work on the condition adequate supervision will be required. If you wish to seek these approvals then you should contact your College/University Services HR Team.

What is the Duty to Refer under the PVG Scheme?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:10


The University is duty bound to make a referral to Disclosure Scotland if it identifies that you may be unsuitable to continue regulated work with children and/or protected adults. A referral may take place in the following circumstances:
  • Where you, as an individual doing regulated work has done something to harm a child and/or protected adult and;
  • Where the impact is so serious that the University has (or would) permanently remove you from undertaking regulated work.

Where do I find my PVG Membership Number and what if I can't find it?

Last updated: Sat Oct 28 10:57


Your PVG Membership Number can be found on your PVG certificate. If you've forgotten your PVG Membership Number you can contact Disclosure Scotland on 0300 020 0040 or by email on response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot

I've been asked to become a Countersignatory for the University, how do I do this?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:10


If you are required to countersign PVG applications as part of your role, then you need to be added as a Countersignatory to the University's account. You should submit a request on the People & Organisational Development Enquiry Form in UofG Helpdesk and a member of your College/University Services HR Team will contact you.

What does it mean if someone is barred from regulated work?

Last updated: Mon Mar 18 8:47


If Disclosure Scotland decides that you're unsuitable to do regulated work with vulnerable groups, they'll bar you from working with children and/or protected adults, and inform the University. They'll also remove you from the PVG Scheme and tell any other employers listed on your record that you have been barred.

How long does my membership of the PVG Scheme last?

Last updated: Mon Jan 8 11:10


Your PVG Scheme certificate shows the information available to Disclosure Scotland on the day it was created. Membership of the scheme lasts forever though, and you, as a scheme member, are continuously checked by Disclosure Scotland, unless you decide to leave the scheme.

What is the PVG Scheme?

Last updated: Sat Oct 28 10:57


The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It's a check to make sure people who work with children or protected adults are suitable to do what is known as 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.