ɬ������

Why You Need to Apply

If your course includes placements, you must join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This is a legal requirement.

You can only apply once you:

• Are fully enrolled (matriculated) at ɬ������
• Have a current UK address

How the Application Works

Step 1: ɬ������ starts your application.

Step 2: You’ll get an email to your ɬ������ account from Disclosure Scotland with a link. Complete your part within 7 days.

⚠️ Check your junk folder and VIPRE emails.

After You Apply

You’ll get a digital disclosure. You must share this with ɬ������. If you don’t you could be withdrawn from your course.

Which PVG Type Do You Need?

1. PVG Scheme Disclosure (Join) – First-time applicants or adding a new group Cost:��£59
2. PVG Scheme Disclosure (Existing) – Already a member, just adding ɬ������      Cost:��£18

Not sure? .

What You Need to Do

Before you matriculate:

• ✅ Check which PVG type applies to you
• ✅ Gather 3 forms of ID (must show your name, date of birth, and UK address)

At least one must have a photo. Accepted ID includes:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• BRP
• National ID card
• Bank statement (last 3 months)
• Utility bill (last 3 months)
• Lease agreement

📸 Upload clear scans or photos via the Student Portal.

What Happens Next

Once you’re matriculated and have uploaded your ID:

1. ɬ������ creates your application.
2. You get an email from Disclosure Scotland.
3. You set up a ScotAccount and complete the form within 7 days.

⏰ Miss the deadline? The link expires and we’ll need to restart.

Your Data

Your ID is only used for the PVG application and all documents submitted for this purpose will be deleted in line with Data Protection requirements. For further information, please see our web page.

Keeping Your PVG Up to Date

• If you work with a new group, update your membership.
• If you change jobs, your new employer may ask for an updated disclosure.
• .
• You can leave the scheme if you stop doing regulated work.

FAQs

Can I apply before I matriculate?
No. You must be fully enrolled and have a UK address.

What if I don’t know which PVG type I need?
Contact Disclosure Scotland.

Can I set up my ScotAccount now?
Yes, but you can’t verify your identity until Disclosure Scotland asks.

What do I need for ScotAccount?
An email address and a mobile phone or UK landline number.

What if I miss the 7-day deadline?
The link expires. Contact ɬ������ to restart the process.

Can I use digital ID copies?
Yes. Upload clear scans or photos.

Will I get a paper certificate?
No. You’ll get a digital disclosure.

Do I need to pay?
If you’re an ASSaM student, yes — £59 or £18 depending on the type.

I’m a transgender student. Is there guidance?
Yes. Disclosure Scotland has for you.

Need More Help?

Check the official for full details.

Due to professional requirements, students on Nursing, Allied Health Profession and Healthcare Science qualifying programmes are required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance as a pre-condition of progressing to placement. This is most easily gained through the joining of the appropriate professional body, and information on this will be provided during the induction process into your programme.  Details on anticipated costs can also be found on the specific fees page of our website here.

All students undertaking placements must complete the Health Clearance process before starting.

The Government require us to ensure that all students who will have direct clinical contact with patients meet the health clearance requirements as set out in their . This process is managed by NHS Lothian’s Occupational Health team and includes submitting vaccination records and attending at least one face-to-face appointment.

Please follow the steps below carefully and within the required timescales.

Step 1: Watch the Information Video

📅 When: Now
Watch a from Occupational Health explaining the process.

Step 2: Gather Your Vaccination Records

📅 When: Start now – this can take up to 6 weeks

• Contact your GP or check your childhood health records.
• You must provide proof of 2 MMR vaccinations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).
• If you cannot obtain records, write a short explanation (e.g. records are missing).
  👉 You’ll upload this in Step 4.

Step 3: Accept Your Offer

📅 When: As soon as your offer becomes unconditional

• Accept your place at ɬ������ to proceed with health clearance.
• Use your personal email address (not a school, college, or agent email).
  ⚠️ Using the wrong email may delay your placement.

Step 4: Complete the Online Occupational Health Form

📅 When: From mid-July

• You’ll receive an email from NHS Lothian with a link to the form and login details.
• Check your junk/spam folder if you don’t see it.
  👉 Complete the form within 10 working days and upload your vaccination proof or explanation.
  ⚠️ If not completed by 31 August, you may miss your on-campus appointment, which could delay your placement.

Step 5: Attend Your Health Clearance Appointment

📅 When: Mid-to-late September

• You’ll be given a 30-minute appointment on campus.
  👉 If you can’t attend, contact Occupational Health at least 48 hours in advance.
  ⚠️ Missed appointments without notice may incur a £40 charge.
• If further appointments are needed, they’ll contact you directly.

💷 Payment Information

If you are not SAAS-funded, not living in Scotland, and not an undergraduate student, you will need to pay for any vaccines or tests.

• ɬ������ will invoice you, usually in Semester 2.
• The total cost is likely to be around £250. The cost is decided by Occupational Health. You can ask them for the price list. ɬ������ can’t tell you what you’ll need, as we don’t have access to your medical records for data protection reasons.
• Payment plans are available.
  👉 See our Fees FAQs for more information.

📩 Need Help?

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Clearance Team – we’re here to help!

Badges

All Nursing, Paramedic Science, Audiology and AHP students will be issued with a name badge.  We will take your 'Known as' name from the Student Portal and you can edit this at any time.  Replacement badges are charged at £7.50 and take around three weeks to be delivered.

Uniform for Nursing and AHP programmes

Information on the NHS guidelines regarding uniforms can be found here. Please note the requirements regarding sleeve length. A showing how the uniform should look, fit and feel is also available. 

Students will be emailed, during September, with instructions on how to place your order via the supplier's website. Measuring guides have been made available to us from the uniform suppliers. Please note that the uniforms are unisex so the guides are to help you get the best fit for your body type.

Measuring guide for men

Measuring guide for women

Those who require a uniform for placement will be issued with four tunics and four pairs of trousers around 2 weeks before their first placement; details will be emailed to you. All trousers will need to be hemmed as they are made with a long leg!  If you are required to pay for these, or you require an alternate size or want an extra set, tunics are charged at £5.99 each and trousers are £7.74 a pair. 

Registry will invoice students directly for these items at the point of matriculation.  Prices as at August 2024.

who are not affiliated with ɬ������, offer a variety of footwear, all suitable for placement.  You are under no obligation to purchase from them, but it may be of interest to see what types of footwear are acceptable.

Badges

All Nursing, Paramedic Science, Audiology and AHP students will be issued with a name badge.  We will take your 'Known as' name from the Student Portal and you can be edit this at any time.  Replacement badges are charged at £7.50 and take around three weeks to be delivered.

Uniform

Students will be emailed during September with instructions on how to place your order via the supplier's web portal. 

Paramedic Science students will be issued with the following items at a core class in mid-October: