PVG and Live Literature for authors: how PVGs work for author events

Authors who work with vulnerable groups through Live Literature may be asked whether they have joined the PVG Scheme. How might that affect you or your upcoming events?

What is the PVG Scheme?

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is a system of checks managed by Disclosure Scotland(this link will open in a new window). It is designed to ensure that the people who are carrying out regulated work with vulnerable groups, including children and protected adults, are suitable.

What is regulated work?

There are two types of regulated work: work with children and work with protected adults. The assessment of what counts as regulated work is determined by a few different factors, such as who you’re working with, the kind of activities you undertake as part of your work, and the establishments you work in. There are other types of disclosures for un-regulated work.

Some Live Literature events might become regulated work, as teaching, training, coaching and mentoring are all outlined as regulated activities by the PVG Scheme.

Get more information on the Disclosure Scotland website.(this link will open in a new window)

When might authors be asked about PVG membership?

Authors who’re on the Live Literature directory may carry out events where they’re working with vulnerable groups and the organiser may require a PVG membership beforehand – or to see proof that you are part of the scheme.

Many author events won’t need a PVG membership but if you’re leading a workshop with children in a school, for example, then one might be asked for by the school. If you’re not sure about an event you’ve been booked for, be sure to check with the organiser or get in touch with us at [email protected](this link will open in a new window)

Do I have to join the PVG Scheme to be on the directory?

You can’t join the PVG Scheme just to be on the author directory, but it is worth bearing in mind that some organisers may need a PVG Scheme Membership from you before your event/s or residency if it involves regulated work. This will depend on the type of work you’re doing, the group you’ll be working with and the policies the organisation have in place.

What are the types of PVG disclosures?

There are several types of PVG Disclosure you might come across dependant on any previous PVG disclosures you might have had. You can find more information on them on the myscot.gov website(this link will open in a new window).

• Scheme Record -– this is for members who are new to the scheme. It is countersigned by organisation who will then be notified of any changes to PVG status. Cost: £59
• Existing Scheme Membership – existing members who want to apply to work with new vulnerable group, for example, someone who has a membership for working with protected adults, who now wants to carry out an event with children. This is also countersigned by organisation who will then be notified of any changes to status. Cost: £59
• Scheme Record Update – existing members who start working for a new organisation, allowing the new organisation to countersign so that they will be notified of any changes to PVG status. Cost: £18
• Scheme Membership Statement – for those who are self-employed so not counter-signed by organisation. £18 existing, £59 new members

Authors who wish to join the PVG Scheme without working for a specific organisation, or who want to change their existing membership into a freelance role, might choose a Scheme Membership Statement(this link will open in a new window).

How do I know which PVG disclosure I need?

There is a good chance that the person who has chosen you for a Live Literature event will let you know what form of disclosure they require, but here are a few likely scenarios.

You’re carrying out a one-off event in a school with young children

The organiser of a one-off Live Literature event may ask if you have a PVG Disclosure. The next step would be to apply for a Scheme Membership Statement, whether you already have a Scheme Record or not. This is a statement for self-employed individuals doing regulated work. A new Statement offers more recent assurance that you haven't been barred or placed under consideration since your last check.

If you aren’t already part of the PVG scheme, a Scheme Membership Statement lets you join without an organisation countersigning your application. This statement is needed even if you already have a Scheme Record countersigned by another organisation. Countersigning is not needed if you are working on a one-off event but this should be reviewed if the arrangement progresses into an ongoing arrangement with that school/organisation.

You can apply for a Scheme Membership Statement through the Disclosure Scotland website(this link will open in a new window).

You’re working as an author in residence during a Schools Residency

In this instance, Scottish Book Trust is the organisation who has chosen you for the role, we will be the ones to ask about your status.

If you’re already a member of the scheme, we will ask you for a Scheme Record Update.

If you aren’t, we’ll ask for a Scheme Record which we will countersign.

The applications will be started online by Scottish Book Trust. You will then receive a link from Disclosure Scotland to complete the rest of the application.

Will Scottish Book Trust carry out a PVG check for me?

Scottish Book Trust can’t carry out PVG checks for Live Literature, as we do not organise individual events – the check should be done by the person applying for Live Literature funding.

If you’re taking part in a Schools Residency, Scottish Book Trust can countersign your existing or new scheme membership. That’s because for these residencies, we are co-organisers.

Will my scheme membership or statement run out?

Statements and Scheme Records don’t have an expiry date. That said, it’s up to each school or group to decide what they are happy to accept in terms of how recent a Statement or Scheme Record must be. So, for example, they might ask you for a Scheme Record Update if you took out your membership several years ago.