Please note, during current restrictions form completion and ID checks are done by video link.
What is the Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Service?
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) was established by the Scottish Executive to provide free* PVG Scheme Record Checks (formerly disclosures/police checks) for volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
*Please note that although PVG checks for volunteers are free (charges range from £18-£59 for paid employees), VCB charges organisations a minimal £10 administration fee for each completed form.
How we at Volunteer Centre Borders can help?
· Volunteer Centre Borders acts as an 'Intermediary Body' for Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services and Disclosure Scotland.
· We have a designated member of staff who is an authorised signatory and can guide you through the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) process and assist in enrolling qualifying voluntary groups to access PVG Checks.
· Once enrolled, we can carry out checks on approved roles where the job description shows that the applicant will be carrying our regulated work within the organisation (i.e. their normal duties include regular, one-to-one contact with children or protected adults).
· The PVG Scheme must only be used for regulated work and not all roles will fit the necessary criteria. 'Checklists' and 'Case Studies' to help with identifying qualifying roles are available on request.
Further information can also be found on these websites..
Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services
https://www.volunteerscotland.net/for-organisations/disclosure-services
Disclosure Scotland https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/
Once organisations are signed up with us, we then need to meet the applicants (either in person or via video link) to collect information, check ID and submit the application to Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services for processing. The graphic below shows the new, updated process.
From March 2021 Disclosure Scotland will require applicants (if they have an email address) to verify personal information via an email link. Those who do not have an email address will revert to paper application forms.
What you need to bring with you if we are meeting face to face or to send in advance if we are meeting via video link:
· National Insurance Number
At least one of the following:
· Passport (UK or other country)
· Photographic Driving Licence
· Other Photo ID Card (e.g. staff ID card)
AND
At least one of the following for proof of address:
· Bank or building society statement*
· Utility bill with current address*
· Credit or store card statement*
· Financial statement (e.g. mortgage, ISA)*
· Correspondence from e.g. DWP, HMRC, NHS, Council
· Pension information/correspondence
· Driving Licence - if not used as photo ID
· Other official correspondence
* Documents must be less than 3 months old.
For further advice, information or help with accessing the PVG Scheme though Volunteer Centre Borders please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
We can assist in enrolling qualifying voluntary groups to access PVG Checks. Once enrolled, we can carry out PVG Disclosure checks on approved roles within the organisation Approved roles - roles where the job description shows regulated work with children or protected adults Regulated work - where the normal duties include regular, one-to-one contact with children or protected adults The PVG Scheme must only be used for regulated work. Not all roles will fit the necessary criteria. PVG Checks are free for volunteers (although a small administration fee of £10 per form is payable to VC Borders).If the posts are paid these are the charges... * Documents must be less than 3 months old. It would also be beneficial to see your Birth Certificate. If you are already a member of the PVG Scheme and applying for an 'Existing Member Update' we require your PVG Membership Number. If possible please bring your PVG Scheme Certificate with you, or call Disclosure Scotland on 03000 2000 40 to ask them for your Membership Number if you are unable to locate it. We also need to know if you are a member in both categories – Children and/or Vulnerable Adults. Addresses - we need to know your residential address history for the last 5 years. PVG Scheme Records (formerly known as Disclosures) - more detailed information On 28 February 2011, the Scottish Government introduced a new membership scheme to replace and improve upon the previous disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. Volunteer Centre Borders acts as an intermediary and access the access PVG Scheme Membership Statements, Scheme Records and Scheme Updates on behalf of Volunteer Centre Borders registered organisations. The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) will, The new system will improve those arrangements by reducing the need for people to complete a lengthy application form every time a disclosure is required through a membership scheme that continually updates relevant information. It will also ensure that people who become unsuitable during their employment can be quickly identified and will allow employers to check records more quickly and easily. What is Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services? Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (originally CRBS) was established by the Scottish Government to provide free Disclosures (police checks) for volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Useful Links: Click here to open an expanded description of the PVG Scheme and its history
What you need to bring with you:
