Additional information about the requirements about the PVG process:
Scotland has recently updated how the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme works. You can find more information here. For work in schools (regulated activity), you will need to apply for a PVG through an organisation. We can begin that process for you.
We have been in touch with Disclosure Scotland to clarify the requirements for authors doing school or library visits. Below are the responses to the questions we have been given:
Question: For a self employed author, can you share evidence of membership status, or would an additional cost be required each time you go through the process?
Answer: If a Confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership application is submitted, this would result in a digital certificate which confirms the applicant’s status as a PVG member. It also confirms their barring status. The certificate remains on their online account indefinitely should they require access to it.
As long as their check has been submitted for the relevant workforces (children and/or protected adults) they would be meeting their legal obligation to be a member of the scheme. We would however advise applicants discuss this with the relevant organisations to ensure they will accept this. If they would prefer to countersign a PVG check for the applicant this would be at their discretion.
Question: What happens if you visit a different venue and they request an up-to-date check – will I have to pay again?
Answer: The author will be required to start a PVG Confirmation application via their Scot Account.
When the application is complete the individual (author) will receive an email with a link to log into their Scot Account, view the result and share it with the person requesting the check. To share the result, they will need the email address and mobile number of the person at the venue who requires the check. The email is to send the result to, and the mobile is so the person can receive one time passcode to view it.
If you visit another venue, as advised, it will be at their discretion if they require a fresh check or accepts that you are a PVG member for the relevant workforces (Children and/or Protected Adults).
The process for individuals working for an organisation is that the organisation begins the application for them and yes, when the result is ready, they would share this once only with that organisation. The organisation will then be listed as an interested party on the employees’ profile with us. This is for ongoing monitoring purposes and a legal safeguarding process