Good evening, everyone,

The Board met online last week, and the main topic was the current PVG processing backlog. As of today, we have circa 2,400 emails in the Grassroots PVG mailbox, with 2,180 unread. Some may be chasing emails, but I’ve scrolled through the entire box and most have attachments, which are presumably PVG application forms. 
The reality is that if an Additional Signatory submits a PVG application tomorrow, it will not be opened, read or actioned for at least 6 weeks.

Many of you will be aware of the new legislation which comes into effect on 1st April, making it a criminal offence to be involved in a regulated role without a PVG. It was also suggested that anyone who has a PVG older than 5 years would need a refresh or Scheme Update. This may have caused some leagues and clubs to rush to submit PVG’s and add to the current backlog.

I was part of an online Zoom with Disclosure Scotland (DS) in the last few days, and the above is NOT accurate concerning the 5-year-old PVG.

Here is the situation.

Anyone who is currently a member of the PVG scheme, regardless of the age of their PVG, holds what DS refers to as a Lifetime Membership PVG.

After 1st April 2026, any new PVG membership will be a 5-year membership, and it will be required to be renewed or updated every 5 years.

Only new coaches are required to apply for a PVG as part of the Safe Selection Process (this is nothing new).

It may be helpful to share this with your clubs so no unnecessary PVG applications are adding to an already significant backlog.

The Board is now working to address the backlog with a four-point plan. Details to follow.

I hope this helps explain the position.

Kind regards,