Processing times of 'The Protecting Vulnerable Groups' (PVG) applications: FOI release

Information requested

The current average processing time for standard and PVG applications.

The number of applications currently pending beyond the expected timeframe.

Response

The current average processing time for standard and PVG applications.

An exemption under Section 27(1) – Future Publication applies to this information, as Disclosure Scotland had plans to publish statistical data on application processing times on its website at the time of your request. This information has since been published and is available at the below link:

Our performance - Disclosure Scotland

If you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

The number of applications currently pending beyond the expected timeframe.

As of 3 November 2025, 3,395 applications were pending beyond the expected timeframe of 14 days, with the service level agreement (SLA) to process 90% of applications within 14 days.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.