Provided that they have the person’s consent, employers in Scotland can apply to Disclosure Scotland for a ‘basic’ criminal record disclosure to be provided by Disclosure Scotland.

Job applicants and self-employed people can apply to Disclosure Scotland for a basic disclosure of their own record, so they can demonstrate to potential employers or clients that they have no unspent convictions.

For certain roles, employers must apply for more extensive disclosures, known as standard disclosures, enhanced disclosures and Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) disclosures.

This factsheet describes the different types of disclosures and explains who can apply for them. It also explains the circumstances in which employers can accept a previously issued disclosure certificate, rather than requiring a new one.

The rights and duties of employers outlined in this factsheet also apply when charities and other not-for-profit organisations are appointing volunteers.