Important - Re new PVG checks for some volunteers in Scotland

Back in March, we told you that Disclosure Scotland would be making some changes to the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme from April.






This means that, if you're a volunteer in certain roles in Scotland, you now have to be PVG checked for the first time. Or, if you're already a member of the PVG scheme, that you need to add the MS Society to your membership account. You don't need to pay to do this.

The roles are:

Activities Organiser
Forum Moderator
Fundraising Group Coordinator
Information Events Volunteer
Council Member
Transport Volunteer
Wellbeing Facilitator

Plus Group Coordinators who aren't already a member of the scheme because they don't have a Lead Support Volunteer, Support Volunteer, Volunteer Driver or Passenger Assistant in their group.

If you're affected by this change, we've already been in touch by email. We explained that you'd need to submit an application to join the PVG scheme, or add us to your membership account.

How do I do this?

The first stage in either case is for us to check your ID documents via a meeting on Zoom.

If you've already responded to our emails and booked an appointment for this, thank you.

If you haven't, or are in one of the above roles in Scotland and haven't seen our emails, please see the information below and contact us to book a slot as soon as possible.

Zoom calls need to take place before the end of June. If we haven't been able to organise a Zoom call with you by then, you won't be able to continue volunteering in your current role.

Booking a Zoom call

Please email us at [email protected] by Wednesday 18 June at the latest with your availability so we can book your appointment on Zoom to start the application process.

Appointments are available until Thursday 26 June, and will last approximately 15-20 minutes.

Once we’ve arranged your appointment, we’ll send you a Zoom link. To submit your PVG form, we’ll need to check your ID documents online during the call.

Suitable documents

Please bring the following to the Zoom meeting:

• Two items from the last three months with your current address on, such as a utility bill, council tax letter or bank statement.

• One valid piece of photographic identification, such as a passport or photo driving licence.

During the meeting, you’ll be required to hold them up to the screen so we can verify the information and start your application.

If you don’t have hard copies of the statements, you’re welcome to show them electronically by sharing your screen during the call. We can guide you through this.

Questions?

We've put together an FAQ document here, which will hopefully answer any questions you may have.

If not, you can contact the Volunteer Support Team on 0300 500 8084 (select option #3) or [email protected].

You can also find information in this toolkit on the Volunteer Scotland website.

Thank you

Thank you in advance for understanding that we need to remain legally compliant to continue providing services and support in the safest way possible.