Recently, Disclosure Scotland announced a series of changes coming to their background screening system.
The updates are due to come into effect on the 16 July, so we’re here to take you through what these changes are and what you can do to prepare!
What’s changing?
Applicants will need to provide both an email address and a phone number. When you submit an application via the Application Programming Interface (API), the “ContactEmail” field is already a required field.
However, from the 16 July 2025, the “ContactNumber” section will also become a mandatory field.
What do you need to do?
Make sure that your applicants have all the correct contact information – and that you don’t put your own details down by mistake!
We suggest that you start including all of this information in your submissions ASAP to help with a smooth transition.
What’s changing?
Disclosure Scotland won’t issue paper certificates any more for Level One disclosures. This means we won’t be able to provide paper copies of certificates either.
What do you need to do?
Make sure you’ve got digital copies of your documents for ease of access.
What’s changing?
Disclosure Scotland’s ‘Code of Practice’ states that you can’t retain any photocopy or other image of the disclosure information. This means we won’t be able to inform you of any criminal record details.
What’s changing?
Applicants will now need a Disclosure Scotland ScotAccount in order to access and share background certificates. Once a check is complete, applicants will receive an email from Disclosure Scotland. Applicants will need a valid form of photo ID such as a passport, UK driving license, or Young Scot National Entitlement Card to set up an account.
What’s changing?
Applicants will be able to share their disclosure results directly with you through their ScotAccount.
What do you need to do?
The applicant will enter your email address and mobile number, and then you’ll receive a secure email link and a one-time passcode. You’ll be able to view the disclosure for 15 minutes.
What’s changing?
Applicants can share their disclosure certificate multiple times within a 14-day window. Then, after this time, they’ll be able to view their results, but won’t be able to share them.
What do you need to do?
Make sure your applicants get their information sent over to you in a timely manner so you’re able to review the certificate properly and come to an informed decision. Once an applicant has shared their result with you, it must be accessed within 10 days of sharing and, as mentioned above, will only be available to view for 15 minutes.
We’ll no longer receive indicative notices, but we’ll be able to tell you whether the result is marked as ‘clear’ or ‘see disclosure’.
No matter what comes your way, we’ll do our best to keep you updated as soon as information becomes available!
If you’ve got any questions or want some DBS advice, give us a call on 0300 140 0022.
