3 March 2026

Changes to Disclosure Scotland Scheme

A football coach with a group of young players, all in red football kits, gathered arm in arm in a circle on a football pitch

Disclosure Scotland has announced important upcoming changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

Please find a summary of what's changing, what it means for you, and what action is required.

What's changing?

From 1 April 2026, significant updates to the PVG Scheme will come into effect:

  • Five‑year PVG membership:
    Anyone joining the PVG Scheme from 1 April 2026 will have membership that lasts five years, replacing the previous lifetime membership model.
  • Renewal requirement:
    Every member will need to renew their PVG membership every five years to remain part of the scheme. Renewals will be handled separately from PVG disclosure applications and primarily via your online Disclosure Scotland account.
  • Existing members will move to the new system:
    Existing lifetime PVG members will be transitioned to a five‑year membership in phases after 1 April 2026. Not everyone will move over immediately. Disclosure Scotland will provide updates directly to individuals as this process begins.
  • No change to the application process:
    If you need to apply for a PVG check as part of your role, the process remains exactly the same. There is no need to apply earlier than usual or make any changes ahead of the new membership structure coming into effect.

Do I need to do anything?

No action is required from you at this time.

Disclosure Scotland will contact you directly when you need to renew or if you are being moved from the current lifetime membership to the new five‑year model.

The only thing we ask is that you keep your personal details up to date.

Please make sure your personal information (especially your email address, home address, and contact details) is kept current with Disclosure Scotland so you don't miss any important notifications. Find out how to update your details on the Disclosure Scotland's website here: https://www.mygov.scot/manage-pvg

Why this matters

These changes are designed to strengthen safeguarding measures and modernise the Disclosure system across Scotland. Glasgow Life will continue to follow all legal requirements, and we will support you through any updates that affect your role.