PVG Information

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland.  The PVG scheme helps ensure that people who are unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do regulated roles with them.  People who are barred from working with these groups cannot join the scheme. 

Key information about the PVG scheme is as follows: 

  • It is against the law for the club to allow someone to start a "regulated role" without a PVG scheme membership.  The club could be fined for allowing this to happen.  This means if someone is elected into a position, they cannot actually start until their PVG is received. 

  • Not all roles are ''Regulated roles" requiring a PVG.  There are some complicated rules, but essentially the PVG scheme covers anyone who carries out activities primarily aimed at children (e.g. coaching) but also anyone whose role is involved in influencing club strategy or other plans that affect children taking part in activities in the club.   

  • The ''regulated roles'' requiring a PVG are as follows:

    • Coaches
    • Assistant coaches and other helpers
    • Development role
    • Child welfare officer
    • First Aiders
    • Drivers (arranged by the club rather than by the parents) and anyone staying overnight (eg hostel) with children (not their own).
    • Executive committee members - because they vote on issues for the club and therefore have "power & influence" over children's experience.
    • Anyone whose role is to manage/supervise any of the above

  • Roles that do not require a PVG - because their "contact" with children is "incidental" to their role

    • Organisers
    • Planners
    • Start team
    • Welcome team/download team
    • Other volunteers e.g. car parking team
    • Wider Committee - unless their role is specifically aimed at children (or focused on families but effectively is aimed at children
  • Other Key information
    • Young people who are age16 and over and doing a "regulated role" require a PVG.
    • PVGs need to be renewed every 5 years.  Previously they have been on-going.  The renewal programme starts in 2026.

So, if your role in the club requires you to apply for a PVG, this is what you need to do:

  • Read the "Guidance for PVG application" document here. This gives information on how to apply. 

Guidance for PVG application.docx (8.19 KB)

  • Fill in the "PVG Application Form" and sign the "Blank Consent Form" here. 

Application for PVG - applicant form.docx (53.27 KB)
Blank PVG consent form SOA.docx (459.26 KB)

  • Email the two forms to Fran@Scottish-orienteering.org.

  • Contact the club's Child Welfare and Protection Officer at cpo@mor.scot to arrange for an ID check. 

If you have any questions, please contact Liz (Child Welfare & Protection Officer) at cpo@mor.scot.