Level 1 Disclosure Scotland

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Our Level 1 Disclosure Scotland service includes:

  • Checks for unspent convictions
  • Search of the Scottish Criminal History System (CHS) for unspent criminal information
  • Search of the Police National Computer (PNC) for unspent convictions recorded in England & Wales
  • Disclosure of criminal history in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as applied in Scotland)
  • Identity verification support (via SVS Digital ID if you are using the integrated process)
  • Secure online submission and processing through our accredited Disclosure Scotland service

What is a Level 1 Disclosure Scotland Check?

A Level 1 Disclosure Scotland check (previously known as a Basic Disclosure) is the entry-level criminal record check available in Scotland. It provides a clear summary of an individual’s background by showing unspent convictions only, making it suitable for a wide range of roles and personal vetting needs. This level of disclosure is the simplest and most widely accessible option under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

This check gives employers, organisations and individuals a reliable baseline understanding of someone’s recent criminal history without revealing spent convictions or more sensitive police information. It’s commonly used to support general recruitment, licensing, visa applications and situations where a basic level of assurance is required but a detailed safeguarding check (such as Level 2 or PVG) would be inappropriate or legally restricted. 

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Common roles for Level 1 Disclosure:

  • Contractors working in non-regulated environments
  • General employment vetting
  • Visa and immigration requests
  • Tenancy applications
  • Self-employed or freelance roles
  • Licensing applications (e.g. personal alcohol licenses)
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Ensure your workforce meets Level 1 Disclosure standards

Meet the Disclosure Scotland check’s entry-level criminal record check available in Scotland. Our team can help you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your organisations roles.

Start Screening

Why organisations use Level 1 checks:

  • To confirm whether an individual has any unspent convictions
  • To support consistent hiring and compliance processes
  • To meet contact or client-specific vetting requirements
  • To strengthen trust when working in positions of general responsibility

Where roles involve contact with children, protected adults or regulated activity, employers must instead request a Level 2 Disclosure or PVG Scheme membership. Our team can help you select the correct level based on the responsibilities and legal eligibility of the role.

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Our Level 1 Disclosure Scotland screening service

As an accredited Disclosure Scotland body, Security & Vetting Solutions securely manages Level 1 applications on behalf of individuals and employers, ensuring fast turnaround, accurate submissions and compliant handling of sensitive personal data. Whether you’re an employer looking to uphold safer recruitment standards or an individual applying for personal reasons, our Level 1 Disclosure Scotland service offers a straightforward, secure and efficient way to verify unspent criminal history. Processing times for level 1 checks are typically quick, usually around 14 days, due to their limited scope.

As  Level 1 checks are not tied to specific job types, any individual can apply and employers can request them as part of their standard onboarding or compliance procedures. Many industries use Level 1 checks as part of safer recruitment practices for roles such as retail, hospitality, transport, administration, customer service, logistics, warehouse work and office-based positions.

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What our experts say about this service

“Level 1 disclosures provide a simple and reliable way to confirm any unspent convictions, and at SVS we make the process as smooth as possible. As an accredited Disclosure Scotland body, we manage applications securely through our online portal, supported by long‑standing experience and recognised industry standards.”

 

Michael, Criminal Record Check Manager

 

Speak to an expert

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Start your Level 1 Disclosure Scotland Check today

Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.

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Our Level 1 Disclosure Scotland Vetting Process

Step 1

Provide candidate details & identity evidence

We collect the applicants basic information, address history and ID documents. If using SVS Digital ID, identity verification is completed securely online. Your vetting officer checks everything is accurate before submission.

Step 2

Submit application & case management

SVS  submits the Level 1 application through our accredited Disclosure Scotland system, manages any follow-up queries and monitors progress. You receive regular updates so you always know the status of your check.

Step 3

Results delivered securely & guidance

Once Disclosure Scotland issues the result, we deliver it securely via encrypted email or protected link. We confirm any unspent convictions and provide guidance on record-keeping or next steps, including whether a higher-level check may be appropriate for the role.

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PVG Disclosure Scotland

Do you work with children or vulnerable adults? You may need our PVG Disclosure Scotland service.

PVG Check

What our clients say

Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?

Fast Turnaround

We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.

Dedicated Vetting Officer

Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.

Secure Data-Handling

All data is managed in strict accordance with our retention and deletion protocols, keeping every stage fully compliant and secure.

Level 1 Disclosure Scotland FAQs

Does a Level 1 check show convictions from other parts of the UK?

Yes. It includes unspent convictions from Scotland, England & Wales, and Northern Ireland, as checked through national police systems.

Is a Level 1 check the same as a Basic Disclosure in Scotland?

Yes. As of 1 April 2025, the Basic Disclosure was renamed the Level 1 disclosure under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

Who can apply for a Level 1 Disclosure check?

Anyone can apply for a Level 1 disclosure. It is not restricted by role, industry, or legal entitlement, and can be obtained for employment or personal reasons.

What is the purpose of a Level 1 check?

The Level 1 check allows employers or organisations to verify whether an individual has any unspent convictions for roles that do not require higher-level safeguarding checks. It may also be used for licensing, visa applications, or general vetting.

Looking for Digital Identity Verification?

Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)

Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.

Digital Identity Verification

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