New changes to applying for PVG and viewing results online 

The deadline to submit new PVG applications is approaching fast. You will only be able to use the existing PVG application link on our mygov.scot website to create new applications until midnight of Wednesday 13 November.  

From 11am on 18 November, you will be able to make your PVG applications from your Disclosure Scotland online account.

If you haven’t had a chance to read our previous emails, this note contains tailored guidance for organisations who use the Online Results service and those who have yet to use this service. Please ensure you review the section that is relevant to you. 

Existing users 

We are making changes to our Disclosure Scotland account. If you're a registered user, you will soon be able to apply for PVG applications from your account as well as being able to view results.   

From 11am on 18 November, you will be able to make PVG applications from your Disclosure Scotland account. This will be the default way to make a PVG application. You will only be able to use the existing PVG application link on our mygov.scot website to create new applications until midnight of Wednesday 13 November.  

From 11am on 18 November, your applicants must create their Disclosure Scotland account using ScotAccount. The applicant must sign in and verify their identity to complete and submit their PVG application. If they do not create their account, their existing PVG application link will expire, and you will have to start the application process again. 

If your applicants are first time users and have not yet set up a ScotAccount, they  must first wait for an email from Disclosure Scotland and use the unique link to set up their account. They will not be able to do this without our email. 

Outstanding applications 

As a countersignatory, please ensure that existing PVG application links (created by applying through our mygov.scot website) are submitted by the applicant as soon as possible or before Monday 18 November. If not, you will have to start the application process again. 

Refunds 

If an applicant is unable to complete and submit their PVG application by the 18 November, you will have to apply again. If you have already paid for your applicant’s PVG disclosure, we will refund the cost back to your credit card. There is no need to contact us for a refund. 

New users 

Disclosure Scotland has changed the way you will receive your PVG applications results. You will no longer receive a paper copy of the certificate. Instead, you will shortly be asked to create a Disclosure Scotland account using ScotAccount to verify your identity. This will allow you to view the results of applications online. 

We will send you an email, it will contain a link that is unique to you and must not be shared with other countersignatories. 

Once you have created your Disclosure Scotland organisation account using ScotAccount, all your application results will be available to view in your online account.

You must have a named individual email address to create your Disclosure Scotland account (e.g. sam.smith@organisation.co.uk). You can then apply for all PVG applications through your Disclosure Scotland organisation account from 11am on 18 November onwards.  

Shared or generic email addresses (pvg@disclosure.co.uk) cannot be used for security purposes. You can change your registered email address by contacting our registration team here: DSAPREGISTRATION@disclosurescotland.gov.scot 

If you have already provided a named individual email address, there is no need to do anything else to access a Disclosure Scotland account. We will automatically switch you to the Online Results service.

Outstanding applications 

You will only be able to use the existing PVG application link on our mygov.scot website to create new applications until midnight of Wednesday 13 November.

As a countersignatory, please ensure that existing PVG application links (created by applying through our mygov.scot website) are submitted by the applicant as soon as possible or before midnight of Monday 18 November. If not, you will have to start the application process again.  

You can then apply for all PVG applications through your Disclosure Scotland organisation account from 11am on 18 November onwards.  

If your applicants are first time users and have not yet set up their Disclosure Scotland account using ScotAccount, they must first wait for an email from Disclosure Scotland and use the unique link to set up their account. They will not be able to do this without our email. 

Refunds 

If an applicant is unable to complete and submit their PVG application by the 18 November, you will have to apply again. If you have already paid for your applicant’s PVG disclosure, we will refund the cost back to your credit card. There is no need to contact us for a refund. 

More information  

If you have any questions regarding the switch to Online Results, email us at: response@disclosurescotland.gov.scot or contact our helpline on 0300 020 0040. The opening times are Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3.30pm. 

Guidance  

We have created short animations aimed at countersignatories and applicants. 

Video 1: Viewing your PVG online results and setting up a ScotAccount 

• guidance for accessing Disclosure Scotland's Online Account service and setting up a ScotAccount: https://youtu.be/MBQ47YcLrwU 

Video 2: How to view your applicants' PVG disclosure results 

• guidance for gountersignatures looking to view their applicants PVG disclosure results online: https://youtu.be/usv-AcZZLcg  

Video 3: How your PVG result is shared with your employer.  

• guidance for applicants on how your PVG result is shared with your employer: https://youtu.be/dBk_Skk6j3c