Pharmacy Technicians Will Require PVG Membership from April 2025
Published: 19/05/25

We can now confirm that Pharmacy Technicians will be included under the updated definition of ‘regulated roles’ and will therefore require PVG Scheme membership from 1st April 2025.
Starting 1st April 2025, it will be a legal requirement for individuals (including Pharmacy Technicians) to be members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in order to undertake regulated roles involving children, protected adults, or both.
The PVG Scheme, created under the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, was introduced in response to the Bichard Inquiry and aims to prevent unsuitable individuals from gaining access to vulnerable groups. It allows organisations to ensure their employees are not on any barred lists, with their name listed as an ‘interested party’ on the applicant’s Disclosure Scotland file. If a member’s status changes, the organisation is notified.
Until now, pharmacists have been required to be members of the PVG Scheme due to their responsibilities under regulated work. Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has been working to clarify the position for Pharmacy Technicians in light of legislative updates under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.
We can now confirm that Pharmacy Technicians will be included under the updated definition of ‘regulated roles’ and will therefore require PVG Scheme membership from 1st April 2025.
This clarification follows direct engagement between CPS, Disclosure Scotland, and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Contractors will now be expected to ensure that any pharmacy technician performing a regulated role is a member of the PVG Scheme before undertaking such work.
The term ‘regulated work’ will be replaced by ‘regulated role’ under the 2020 Act. This change will maintain the scope of current roles but also bring new roles—such as that of pharmacy technicians—into scope. The PVG Scheme remains mandatory for anyone carrying out regulated roles with children or protected adults.
-
New Offences from July 2025:
It will be an offence for an individual to carry out a regulated role without being a PVG Scheme member.
It will also be an offence for organisations to offer a regulated role unless a Level 2 (PVG) disclosure has been received.
Level 1 and Level 2 Disclosure Checks:
These will replace the current disclosure levels.
Level 2 (PVG) checks will be required for regulated roles.
Individuals can request independent reviews of disclosure content and provide context for certain convictions.
Fees (remain unchanged):
Level 1 (Basic Disclosure): £25
Level 2 (PVG – Join): £59
Level 2 (PVG – Existing Member): £18
-
Continuous monitoring of PVG Scheme members
Notifications to ‘interested parties’ of any suitability changes
The duty to refer concerns to Disclosure Scotland
UK-wide barred status recognition
Obligation for organisations to notify Disclosure Scotland when an individual ceases regulated work
Looking Ahead:
From 1st April 2026, the PVG Scheme will transition from lifetime membership to a renewable five-year membership. Disclosure Scotland is currently reviewing the transition process for existing members and further guidance is expected.
CPS has updated the PVG application form to reflect this new requirement and will continue to support members through the process. Contractors can complete the adapted form and submit it to CPS, who will manage the submission to Disclosure Scotland. Applicants will then receive a link directly from Disclosure Scotland to finalise their application.
If you have any enquiries, please get in contact with the team at pvg.enquiries@cps.scot.
Can all Community Pharmacy Independent Prescriberss and Trainees who undertook or are undertaking a Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) / NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Funded Training, please keep us up to date with any changes to your information.
This week Adam from the Policy team headed to the RPS Offices in London to take part in a national discussion on early years career development for pharmacists.
Pharmacist Support is a charity dedicated to championing the wellbeing of those studying and working in pharmacy. We run three ACTNow wellbeing campaigns annually which support students, trainees and pharmacists at key points throughout the year.
Support World AMR Week 2025 by sharing key actions to fight antibiotic resistance. Discover resources to promote safe, sustainable antibiotic use.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Base Pharmacist in Niddrie, Edinburgh. £60–70k salary, strong team, and career development. Apply by 30 November 2025.
Join Boots Dunoon as a Pharmacist. 32–40 hrs/week, IP support, great team and local store. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Dundee as a Pharmacist. Out-of-hours service, automation, great team, and community links. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Hamilton as an Independent Prescribing Pharmacist. 32–40 hrs/week, great team, clinical growth. Apply by 31 October 2025.
Join Boots Stranraer as a full-time pharmacist. Supportive team, coastal location, great benefits. Apply by 31 October 2025.
SSPs for Estradot HRT patches extended to 5 Dec 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel or Estraderm MX. Review updated guidance.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Review updated adjusted prices for October 2025. Several lines stabilised. Continue reporting shortages via Shortages Reporter. Contact CPS for queries.
Serious Shortage Protocols for cefalexin oral suspension sugar free products extended to 24 Oct 2025. Applies to SSP077 and SSP078. Review updated guidance.
Join Bucksburn Pharmacy in Aberdeen as a Pharmacist Manager. Full-time, flexible rota, IP support, and excellent salary. Apply by 28 October 2025.
Join Boots Bathgate as a full-time prescribing pharmacist. Great team, benefits & career growth. Apply by 10 October 2025.
Join Davidsons Chemists in Comrie as Pharmacist Manager. Lead a respected team, grow professionally, and deliver excellent patient care. Apply by 31 Dec 2025.
CPS-funded IP trainees: check your inbox for course payment details and support group invitations.
Help shape the future of MCR training materials. Complete the short survey and share feedback before the end of October. Pharmacy teams are encouraged to take part.
Our Manifesto makes clear our ambitions for community pharmacy in Scotland and the practical actions required to make our vision a reality.
Please note, due to ongoing discussions with Public Health Scotland (PHS) & Scottish Government the final round of Adjusted Prices for September 2025 are likely to be agreed and published later today, Wednesday 1st October or tomorrow Thursday 2nd October.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Bonar Bridge Pharmacy is seeking a pharmacist to complete our team, working part-time on a relief or managerial basis.
SARCS offers 24/7 NHS support after rape or sexual assault. Learn how to access care and share the campaign.
Pharmacist Support offers free, confidential wellbeing services for pharmacy teams. Learn how to access counselling, advice, and more.
Today on World Pharmacists Day we celebrate the incredible contribution that community pharmacists and their teams make to the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Relief Pharmacist across Lothian & Borders. Competitive salary, training, and career development. Apply by 17 October 2025.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour as a Relief Pharmacist across 16 branches. Competitive salary, training, and career development. Apply now.
Join Lindsay & Gilmour in Stirling as a Non-Pharmacist Pharmacy Manager. Lead a busy team, deliver care, and grow your career. Apply now.
Lead a community pharmacy in Juniper Green with Lindsay & Gilmour. Competitive salary, bonus, and training. Apply now to join a trusted healthcare team.

Digital Communications Officer
At Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), our Community Pharmacy Health Board (CPHB) committees are at the forefront of local service negotiation.