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Enhanced Disclosure has been replaced by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG).

Freelancers - please read how the changes may affect you

Posted: 16/05/2011

Under the new scheme, the phrase 'vulnerable adults' has been replaced with 'protected adults'. Protected adults are those with a condition/disability and in receipt of some kind of care package at the actual time when the PVG check is required, (eg been referred by a GP or as part of a Social Work procedure): Protected adults is a service based definition rather than one based on the individual's condition. It means that a PVG check is not automatically required when working with adults with a mental or physical disability.

Freelance artists/workshop leaders/tutors can apply to become members of the PVG Scheme at a cost of £59. This is a one-off payment, not annual.

Membership of the scheme allows the individual to work or volunteer for different organisations providing the type of work or activity is the same in each case. So for example a freelance artist delivering art workshops for kids need only make a one off payment of £59 no matter how many organisations they work for. (Existing Enhanced Disclosures that relate to specific employers under the old scheme are still valid - a new PVG check is only required if circumstances change within that particular role or organisation).

Organisations (including voluntary groups) who employ freelance artists/workshop leaders/tutors to work with children or protected adults should ensure the individual is a member of the PVG scheme. It is up to the individual to apply to the scheme.

An employer or organisation can request a Scheme Membership Statement Update to ensure there has been no change to the status of the individual since they joined the scheme. This costs £18 and can be paid by either the individual or the employer. Individuals doing voluntary work for a voluntary organisation can join the PVG scheme free of charge.

Basically the PVG scheme should work out cheaper for everyone. It makes sense for freelancers to join the scheme ahead of any work they may be doing as it will speed up the disclosure process which by default means a safer and quicker start to employment. Also, if they state their type of work as being with both children and protected adults when they initially join the scheme, then they will only pay £59. If they join the scheme listing themselves under only one type of work (eg just children) then they may need to pay another £59 if they later want employment in another type of work. In the PVG scheme this is referred to as different 'regulated workforces'.

Disclosure Scotland will administer the PVG scheme and maintain updated information on those individuals signed up to it.

Website link

www.disclosurescotland.co.uk