voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 Update - Five-Year PVG Membership
Created: 20/02/2026
News/Events Category: General News
This item will show under the following categories: Children and Families Governance Volunteering
From 01 April 2026, new PVG scheme memberships will last five years from the date of joining.
Existing members who submit a PVG application after this date will automatically move to a five-year membership, replacing lifetime membership.
In this update, Disclosure Scotland shares detailed information on the new five-year PVG scheme, including example scenarios to help you understand and prepare for these changes.
Moving to five-year membership
Disclosure Scotland will move current PVG members from lifetime to five-year membership in phases.
No action is required from applicants or organisations, as Disclosure Scotland will contact individuals directly.
Existing members who do not make a PVG application after 01 April 2026 will not be moved immediately. Transitions will take place in ‘join order,’ starting with those who joined in 2011 and progressing to the most recent joiners. More information will be shared in the coming months when this work is expected to begin.
There is no change to the current PVG scheme application process. You do not need to apply earlier or more frequently than usual. The 1 April 2026 update does not affect how you submit applications. Continue to follow the guidance on Disclosure Scotland’s website.
Renewal of membership
Every five years, renewal of your PVG scheme membership will be required. Renewing your PVG scheme membership will be a separate process from submitting a PVG scheme application.
Scenario Examples
Scenario 1
New PVG scheme member joining after 1 April 2026.
Jordan submits an application to join the PVG scheme. His PVG scheme membership becomes active on 26 April 2026. Five years later, on 26 April 2031, he needs to renew his membership, to stay in the PVG scheme.
Scenario 2
Existing PVG scheme member submits application after 1 April 2026, and before Disclosure Scotland move them from lifetime to five-year membership.
Anna is a current PVG scheme member who joined in 2019. She submits an existing PVG scheme application. On 3 May 2026 she receives her PVG scheme disclosure.
Anna will then be notified that she’s been moved to the five-year scheme. On 3 May 2031, she will need to renew her membership, to stay in the PVG scheme.
Scenario 3
PVG scheme member does not make an application on or after 1 April 2026, and need to be moved over by Disclosure Scotland at some point in the future.
Sam is a current PVG scheme member who joined in 2016. She has not submitted any subsequent PVG scheme applications. Disclosure Scotland will initiate this individuals PVG scheme membership moving over to the five-year membership in the future. Sam does not need to take any action until Disclosure Scotland contact her.
If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to contact the Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services team at [email protected]
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