Volunteering with TACT
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act went live on 1st April 2025. Here’s a quick reminder of what you need to know:
- Membership of the PVG scheme is now a legal requirement for those carrying out a regulated role.
- Replacing the concept of ‘regulated work’ with ‘regulated roles’.
- Simplified disclosure products, and people having more control over their information.
- An individualised approach to the disclosure of childhood offending and rights of review for convictions disclosed, to enhance fairness and proportionality.
- The ability for Disclosure Scotland to impose conditions on PVG scheme members who are under consideration for listing.
There are also mandatory policies that you must have in place, these are:
- Secure Handling Policy
- Making a Referral Policy
Templates for these policies can be found on Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services website via the following link: https://www.volunteerscotland.net/disclosure-services/guidance-and-resources#Regulated-Role-Guidance
Regulated Roles
From 1st April 2025, ‘regulated work’ will be replaced by ‘regulated roles’. It is expected that roles which were included under regulated work, will also be regulated roles. However, the introduction of ‘regulated roles’ will also bring new roles into the PVG scheme that were not eligible before the 1st April 2025. Examples include, football agents, talent scouts, hypnotherapists and certain hospital or hospice-based roles.
To help you assess the criteria for regulated roles, you can review the following documents on the Volunteer Scotland Website to help you decide the PVG schemes required:
If you are in a regulated role, you must become a member of the PVG scheme.
To check out if roles in your organisation / group need to be members of the PVG and for more information, guidance and support please click on the links below for Volunteer Scotland and Disclosure Scotland:
- Volunteer Scotland:
https://www.volunteerscotland.net/news/the-disclosure-scotland-act-2020-disclosure-act-is-now-live - Disclosure Scotland:
https://www.mygov.scot/check-role-needs-pvg
Keep your data up to date:
To ensure compliance with data protection legislation, organisations should notify Disclosure Scotland when a PVG scheme member stops doing regulated work with them. This will prevent organisations receiving information to which you are no longer entitled.
To do this, please email dsupdate@disclosurescotland.gov.scot with:
- the individual’s name
- date of birth
- PVG number
Disclosure Scotland will then remove your organisation’s interest in the individual.
Your organisation should have records of PVG scheme members you are linked with. If you don’t, Disclosure Scotland can provide your organisation with a list of PVG scheme members that your organisation is linked to. Please request this by contacting our dedicated team at dsupdate@disclosurescotland.gov.scot and provide your counter signatory and registered body codes in your request.
By law, PVG scheme members need to tell Disclosure Scotland if their personal details have changed. By informing them, you will ensure that Disclosure Scotland holds accurate address and contact information for PVG scheme members. For information on how to update your PVG details, timescales and legal requirements please visit their website. Organisations can highlight this requirement to their employees and volunteers.
If you require any help to set up the process or need help to see if this is something that you need to do please contact Ann Wilson on 01294 443044 or email: ann@tact.scot.
The Power of Volunteering
Volunteering sits at the heart of meaningful community change — and none of it would be possible without the dedication of individuals and the organisations that support them. At TACT, our work is strengthened every day by passionate volunteers and the committed Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) that connect people with purpose.
These organisations play a vital role in creating structured, safe, and impactful opportunities for local volunteers. By recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, VIOs ensure that every contribution — whether it’s an hour a week or a long-term commitment — delivers real, lasting value for the communities we care about.
Together with our volunteers and partner organisations, we are building a culture of active citizenship, shared responsibility, and mutual support. We believe that through collaboration, every act of volunteerism becomes part of a larger movement for equity, inclusion, and social good.
So why wait? Start your volunteering journey today.
FIND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTH AYRSHIRE
For Organisations
1. The Benefits of involving Volunteers
Volunteers can:
- enhance your services by adding flexibility and new skills
- bring fresh ideas and energy to your organisation
- strengthen community connections
- contribute to the direction, development and voice of your organisation
Volunteers should never replace paid staff — but they can significantly increase your organisation’s impact when supported and motivated.
2. How can we help?
We can support your organisation in a range of ways, including:
- creating role descriptions
- recruiting volunteers
- delivering Volunteer Management Training
- guidance on volunteering best practice
- support with risk management, Disclosure and PVG checks
- help to obtain insurance
- support for young people achieving Saltire Awards
- assistance for volunteers with additional support needs
- Volunteer Recognition and Reward
- developing staff projects through Employer Supported Volunteering
3. Need help recruiting, training or supporting volunteers?
Across North Ayrshire, volunteers make a difference in countless ways — from charities shaping a better future, to services offering care in difficult times, to clubs, museums and community groups protecting our heritage and bringing people together.
Volunteering is at the heart of our society, and TACT is here to support any organisation that involves volunteers. And although it’s rare, we can also help if challenges arise within your volunteer team.
4. Register Your Organisation
Register your organisation with TACT using the link below. A member of our team will contact you once the form is complete.
5. Register a Volunteering Opportunity
To list a volunteering opportunity, complete the form below and a member of staff will be in touch.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have already completed an Organisation Registration Form before submitting an opportunity.
Training & Support
Volunteer Recruitment
We can assist with recruiting, advising and training volunteers — ensuring a great experience for both the organisation and the volunteers themselves. This support can be provided as part of our regular service.
Policies and Best Practice
We offer guidance on developing policies and following best practice when involving volunteers. Support can be delivered through training courses or one-to-one with our staff.
Capacity Building
We can help you develop new, inclusive volunteering opportunities and offer information and support with disclosures.
Training
We provide established training programmes and can also deliver bespoke training tailored to your organisation’s needs.
DOCUMENTS
- Register an Organisation
- Register Volunteer Opportunity
- Volunteer Registration Form
- How to write a volunteer Policy
- How to create a Volunteer Role Description
- How to create a Volunteer Agreement
Volunteer Wiki
The VolunteerWiki has been developed by Volunteer Edinburgh with support from partners, to give volunteer managers access to high quality, reliable and up to date information on managing volunteers.
Governance Wiki
The GovernanceWiki, a free open resource for voluntary organisations and social enterprises operating in Scotland and people working with them. This resource will give you information on the many topics that will help you to run an organisation effectively with good governance in mind.
For Individuals
1. Volunteering changes lives
There are hundreds of ways to volunteer across North Ayrshire, with tens of thousands of people already doing so. Why not join them?
2. People volunteer for many reasons:
- To gain new skills and work experience
- To increase confidence and self-esteem
- To build a CV and gain references
- To meet new people
- To feel a sense of achievement
- To reduce isolation or boredom
- To explore new interests
- To use talents or hobbies to help others
- And of course — to have fun!
3. Opportunities for everyone
We promote volunteering opportunities for hundreds of organisations across North Ayrshire. Roles change month-to-month, and you can choose from many kinds of voluntary work in a variety of environments.
4. Volunteer your way
You decide the time you give — once a month, once a week, or occasionally. Some people volunteer with one organisation, others with several. You can volunteer locally, near your workplace, or even from home.
5. Help choosing the right role
TACT can help you:
- find a role that fits your interests and abilities
- learn about organisations and opportunities
- navigate practical issues such as travel expenses
- understand volunteering while on benefits
If you’d like support, call 01294 443044 or email ann@tact.scot
6. Extra Support
Where additional support is needed, we are here to help remove barriers and make volunteering accessible to everyone.
Young People
What counts as volunteering?
You can volunteer with charities, not-for-profit organisations, youth groups or community projects. Many young people also volunteer at school or college — through fundraising, buddy schemes, paired reading, environmental work and more.
If you’re not paid, don’t have to do it, and it benefits others — it’s volunteering!
Why Volunteer?
- Help others and make a positive difference
- Gain experience for work, college or future careers
- Discover whether a job or sector suits you
- Boost confidence and self-esteem
- Make new friends and broaden your horizons
- Have fun
- Earn recognition through Saltire Awards
You can register and log your hours online through the Saltire Awards website, or ask your volunteering placement if they are already signed up. For more help, contact TACT for details.