Scottish practices reminded of PVG application deadline on 1 July

The AOP has highlighted guidance for optometry practices in Scotland regarding the new requirements for the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, reminding members of the 1 July deadline for applications.

Under the new requirements, it is the responsibility of the employing practice to check that employees are up-to-date members of the PVG scheme with barring.

While an optometrist will need to have submitted evidence of PVG scheme membership to be on the NHS board ophthalmic listing, practices must also ensure they have received a PVG scheme disclosure by performing an ‘update’ for all optometrists in the practice.

This is in addition to the new requirement of undertaking a PVG check for dispensing opticians and practice managers.

Practices have been reminded to make applications for the update or new registration as soon as possible before the July 1 deadline.

The practice can register to perform the checks, which costs £125 per year, or can use an umbrella body which will charge for each check performed on behalf of the practice.

The PVG scheme became a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role with children and protected adults from 1 April 2025. A three-month grace period for registrations is in effect until 30 June.

All practising optometrists, ophthalmic medical practitioners, contact lens opticians, and dispensing opticians in Scotland are classified as performing regulated roles and must have appropriate clearance through membership of the PVG scheme.

The AOP highlighted: “Businesses should ensure that they have applied for the appropriate check for all relevant staff.”

Self-employed locums should also ensure that practices where they have arranged cover in advance, or occasionally provide services, have applied for the relevant check.

An exception to the PVG check requirements apply where a locum is filling in at short notice. In these cases, practices do not need to get a PVG check for locums working on a short-term basis and arranged at the last minute – though the AOP highlighted: “It is not currently possible to define what constitutes ‘last minute.’”

Optometry Scotland has distributed advice for practices. Disclosure Scotland has also produced advice.