The first time someone applies for a PVG, they complete a PVG Scheme (Join) application, which gives them PVG membership and links them to their first employer. Then, each time an applicant begins work somewhere else, they should complete a PVG Scheme (Existing), which will link them to their new employer. Once an applicant is linked to your business, if the person was to receive any barring convictions, you would be notified.

This also applies to self-employed locum pharmacists, as they need to specify an employer when completing their application unless they are already employed by an agency, in which case the agency acts as their employer. Please note, it is a legal requirement for you as an employer to have your pharmacists and pharmacy technicians be PVG Scheme members.

Simply send us an email at pvg.enquiries@cps.scot and we will take a couple of details from you about payment and who you would like notified about returned certificates. Once we have done this, you can direct any employees to the correct webpage within our PVG section for the role that they are applying for. To find the information needed for Pharmacists / Foundation Trainee Pharmacists / Technicians click here and for Locum Pharmacists click here.

As pharmacy owners, you will have employees carrying out regulated roles, providing healthcare services to vulnerable groups. Because of this, you have a duty of care to report any harmful behaviour that might affect whether the person is allowed to work with children or protected adults. This applies whether the person is a member of the PVG Scheme or not. This is called your Duty to Refer.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you need to make a report, you must make a referral to Disclosure Scotland explaining what’s happened. This only has to be done if the harmful behaviour resulted in the person involved being dismissed, (including where they would have been dismissed, but left before they could be) or were transferred permanently away from work with children or protected adults. Find out more about Duty to Refer.

Currently the cost for an application to join is £59, and for an update it is £18*. You can choose to either pay this, or have your employees cover the cost. If you are funding your employees’ applications, there are two ways you can pay:

• By BACs Bank Transfer: Sort Code 803120, Account Number: 06005432

• By Invoice

• Please note, if you are paying by BACs, please use the applicants name as the reference.

  *Plus an additional administration fee if you are a non-member.

If you need to have your delivery drivers undergo a level one disclosure, you can find the application form you need here.

Unlike the PVG forms for your pharmacists, these do not need to be sent to us to countersign. Instead, the individual should apply for these online via the Disclosure Scotland website, and payment should be made directly to Disclosure Scotland.