Information on Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme & Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) requirements.
Who is This Page For?
This page is for anyone considering applying to a programme that includes one or more compulsory placements involving children and/or vulnerable adults. If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete the checks below before your placement begins.
Before You Can Begin Your Placement
You cannot begin your placement until the following conditions are met:
1. PVG Scheme:
- You have completed the PVG process via the University (this includes completing an online verification form, providing identification and submitting your PVG application).
- You have shared your PVG certificate with us and we are satisfied with the results.
Important: You must complete your PVG application through the University. Applications made independently cannot be accepted.
2. Certificate of Good Conduct (if applicable):
- If you have lived outside the UK (i.e. outside Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) for three or more consecutive months within the five years before your placement begins (including time spent in your country of birth), you must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) or Police Certificate from each relevant country.
- You have shared your certificate(s) with us and we are satisfied with the results.
3. Other programme requirements:
- Any additional requirements specific to your programme will be communicated after an offer has been made and once you have started the programme.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
What is the PVG Scheme?
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is designed to help ensure that people working with children and/or vulnerable adults are suitable to do so. It involves background checks on an individual’s criminal record and provides ongoing monitoring, so that organisations (such as the University) are informed of any relevant changes over time.
Do I need to become a member of the PVG Scheme?
If your programme includes a placement involving children and/or vulnerable adults and you are offered a place, you will be required to:
- Join the PVG Scheme, or
- Apply for an update (if you are already a member).
This process is completed via the University, normally after you have registered on your programme. Timing may vary.
Costs
You will be responsible for the cost of your PVG application:
- £59 – New members
- £59 – Existing members adding a new vulnerable group
- £18 – Existing members working with the same vulnerable group
Exception (Speech & Language Pathology only):
For Scottish-domiciled students on the BSc Hons Speech & Language Pathology programme, the cost is currently covered by the Scottish Government (subject to change).
Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) / Police Certificate
If you have lived outside the UK (i.e. outside Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) for three or more consecutive months within the five years before your placement begins (including time spent in your country of birth), you must obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) or Police Certificate from each relevant country before your placement begins.
Please note:
- Certificates must cover the entire country, not a state or province:
- USA: FBI Identity History Summary Check,
- Canada: RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.
Important: Both of the above checks require the submission of fingerprints. If you have not been asked to provide fingerprints, it is likely that you have applied for the incorrect type of certificate and you will be required to reapply.
- If applying before leaving a country, the certificate must be dated within 3 months of your departure.
- Some countries require an official statement explaining the purpose of the request. If this applies, please contact disclosure@strath.ac.uk before submitting your application.
Further guidance is available on the . You are responsible for any associated costs.