3.6 Scotland

Criminal Record Checking

From 1st April 2025 the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 comes into effect - parkrun volunteer roles have been assessed and are not classed as regulated roles. This means that instead of a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check, all Event Directors and Run Directors aged 18 or over at junior parkrun events in Scotland must have a Level 1 Disclosure instead.

In line with the procedure in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, parkrun UK requires this check to be carried out every 3 years.

If a cleared Run Director is not available the event must be cancelled.

Applications for Level 1 Disclosure checks for junior parkrun Run Directors and Event Directors uses the following process:

1. The Run Director/Event Director needs to apply online here.
2. The ID check is conducted as part of the application process - if this cannot be completed through the application, Disclosure Scotland will contact the applicant - full details here.
3. If you are unable to apply online, you can find out how to make an offline application here - however please note that applications made offline will take longer to process so an online application is preferred.
4. You will need to pay Disclosure Scotland directly for the check - this will be reimbursed by parkrun. To notify us that you have applied for the check and to claim your expenses please follow these steps:
   • Email ukvettingchecks@parkrun.com with the following information:
     • Your name
     • Your parkrun A number
     • junior parkrun event
     • Name on Bank Account
     • Bank Account number
     • Sort code
   You need to attach/forward the payment receipt you received from Disclosure Scotland in your email.

   We will redact the bank account details from your email and will only store the bank account details on a secure spreadsheet until the payment has been processed.

   We are collecting your information for the purposes of refunding this expense only. Once the refund has been processed we will remove your bank account information from the completed spreadsheet but we will retain your expense request, for audit purposes, for 7 years before removal.

5. When you receive the result of your Level 1 Disclosure you need to share the result with parkrun - please send a copy/image of your full disclosure result to ukvettingchecks@parkrun.com. We will update our records and redact the information from your email.
6. When the Safeguarding Team has seen and confirmed the result, they will update their records with the date of the check. We do not keep any copies or other records of the check.

If your check has details of any unspent convictions on it:

1. The Safeguarding Lead at parkrun UK will make a decision as to whether or not the convictions you have allow you to undertake the role of Run Director or Event Director.
2. For the vast majority of cases, the parkrun UK Safeguarding Lead is likely to confirm that you are suitable to carry out the role of Run Director or Event Director.
3. Occasionally, we may ask you for more information about a conviction (circumstances surrounding it etc), and occasionally someone may be turned down for the role because of a criminal conviction.
4. Any information that comes to light on a Level 1 Disclosure check will remain confidential at all times and is unlikely to impact your participation in parkrun in roles other than that of Run Director or Event Director at a junior parkrun.

Ultimately, it is parkrun UK’s responsibility, once a check has been conducted, to make a decision about an individual’s suitability for the role.