Launch of online basic disclosures

Disclosure Scotland has achieved its next key milestone in the public roll out of its Online Account service. 

From 11 February, more people across Scotland will now be able to apply for a basic disclosure and view their results online.  

Basic disclosures play a vital role in supporting and growing Scotland’s economy. They are the most common certificates offered by Disclosure Scotland and are used by recruiters to check potential employee’s backgrounds by offering basic conviction information which allows individuals and organisations to check criminal convictions records held by the police.  

For businesses across Scotland this move will help streamline and speed up recruitment, stimulate business growth and help generate income by attracting the right candidate for the job.  For applicants, it can give extra reassurance to the public that this person has undergone rigorous background checks and is able to work with people without posing a risk to others.  For those who have firsthand experience of the justice system it can also demonstrate that they are now ready to rejoin the workforce. 

Disclosure Scotland publicly launched its online service on 18 November 2024.  

In partnership with Scottish Government’s ScotAccount, Disclosure Scotland is the first organisation to use this new online sign in and verification service and is leading the way for other public sector organisations in this area. 

Alongside basic disclosures, people can also apply and view their results for the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme.  

Gerard Hart, Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland, said:  

“Through our exciting new digital service, you will now be able to get a full basic disclosure check done online, from application right through to results. I know how important this product is to employers, and to be able to get the check done super-fast means that you can now get that person into your business faster, helping you to be successful and for Scotland’s economy to grow as a result. 

“Anyone can apply for this type of disclosure, it’s useful as part of pre-employment checks or for a trader to be able to show potential customers before working in their home. Our new service gives the ability for customers to have more control over their personal information, so really it is a win-win for everybody.” 

Trudy Nicolson, ScotAccount’s Programme Director, added:   

“We welcome Disclosure Scotland’s further adoption of ScotAccount and are delighted to have been able to support them in the digital transformation of their key services. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the team at Disclosure Scotland. 

“As ScotAccount continues to be adopted by Scotland’s public sector organisations this will make it easier for people to access public services saving time, money, and effort for both the user and the public service."