Do I need PVG scheme membership to coach or volunteer with children in Scotland?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your role is a regulated role with children. Sports coaches are one of the examples Disclosure Scotland gives. It's the law. Since 1 April 2025, under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, anyone doing a regulated role with children or protected adults, paid or voluntary, must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme before they start. Offences. Since 1 July 2025 it is a criminal offence to do a regulated role without being a PVG member, and for an organisation to offer a regulated role to someone without a Level 2 with PVG disclosure. No trial periods. You can't start the role first and join later. Five-year membership. From 1 April 2026, membership lasts five years and must then be renewed through your online account. Disclosure Scotland writes at least three months before it ends. Existing members are being moved from lifetime to five-year membership in phases and don't need to do anything yet. Continuous monitoring. Disclosure Scotland keeps checking members while they are in the scheme. Under 16s normally can't join, but can help with activities that would be regulated roles for adults. The club must consider their suitability and put safeguards in place. Not sure if your role is regulated? Disclosure Scotland has a role-checking tool on mygov.scot and a helpline on 0300 020 0040.