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The Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024
Overview
The Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 introduce new rules and guidelines to ensure that individuals in regulated roles, particularly in sectors involving vulnerable people, meet certain prohibitions and requirements. These regulations are part of a broader effort to improve safeguarding and ensure that individuals in positions of responsibility, such as in healthcare, education, and social care, are properly vetted and qualified. The regulations provide a clearer framework for managing the suitability of individuals for these sensitive roles.
Key requirements include:
- Prohibitions on Unfit Individuals: The regulations set clear prohibitions against individuals who have been convicted of specific offences from holding regulated roles. These offences include serious criminal offences related to child protection, violence, or abuse. People found to be unsuitable for regulated roles due to past misconduct or criminal behaviour will be prohibited from taking up these positions, with a focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups.
- Enhanced Vetting Procedures: Employers are required to implement more rigorous vetting procedures for applicants seeking regulated roles. This includes comprehensive background checks and the review of any past criminal convictions, ensuring that only suitable individuals are appointed. The regulations specify the need for continuous monitoring of employees in regulated roles, ensuring that any new criminal convictions are reported and acted upon swiftly.
- Qualification and Training Requirements: Individuals seeking to work in regulated roles must meet specific qualification and training standards. This includes ensuring that candidates have the necessary education, experience, and certifications to work with vulnerable individuals. Continuous professional development is also mandated, with workers in regulated roles required to engage in ongoing training to keep up-to-date with best practices and regulatory changes.
- Transparency and Reporting: Employers must maintain transparent records of their recruitment processes and the vetting outcomes for employees in regulated roles. This includes documenting the completion of background checks and training. Any concerns about an employee’s conduct or fitness for a regulated role must be reported to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
The Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 came into force on the 17th of January 2025 and apply to Scotland.

Do the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 affect my business?
The implications of these Regulations will have the far-reaching consequences on businesses, particularly those in education, healthcare and social care:
- Increased Compliance Costs: Businesses, especially those in healthcare, education, and social care, will face higher costs associated with implementing and maintaining enhanced vetting procedures, qualification checks, and ongoing monitoring. Organisations will also need to invest in staff training and compliance systems to meet the new regulations.
- Improved Safeguarding: By ensuring that only suitable individuals are placed in regulated roles, businesses will contribute to improved safeguarding of vulnerable groups. This can reduce the risk of incidents and improve the overall quality of care and service provided.
- Operational Adjustments: Employers will need to adapt their recruitment processes to comply with the more stringent vetting and monitoring requirements. This may involve integrating new software systems for tracking employee qualifications and conducting background checks.
- Reputational Benefits: Companies that adhere to these new standards will enhance their reputation for safeguarding and responsible employment practices, which can be an important differentiator, particularly in sectors that work closely with vulnerable individuals.
While businesses will face higher compliance costs, the regulations will enhance the safety and quality of care provided in sectors like healthcare, education, and social care. By adopting these measures, organisations can demonstrate a commitment to responsible employment practices and improved safeguarding.
Do I need the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 in my ISO Compliance Register?
The Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 will impact the following businesses and sectors:
- Healthcare Providers: Healthcare businesses, particularly those providing services to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, children, or those with disabilities, will be directly affected. These businesses must implement enhanced vetting and training procedures to comply with the regulations.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities must ensure that all staff members working with children or vulnerable adults meet the new qualifications and background check requirements.
- Social Care Services: Social care businesses, including foster care and child protection services, will also be impacted, as they must ensure their employees meet the regulations’ stringent requirements for regulated roles.
- Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies that place individuals in regulated roles will need to adjust their processes to ensure that all candidates meet the new vetting, qualification, and training standards before placement.
If this includes your business then we strongly recommend adding the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 to your ISO Compliance Register.
Legislation related to the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024
Legislation related to the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 include:
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
- The Disclosure and Barring Service (Core Functions) Order 2012
- Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020
- The Level 1 and Level 2 Disclosure Information (Scotland) Regulations 2024
- The Consideration of Suitability for Regulated Roles (Prescribed Purposes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024
More information
Visit the Regulated Roles (Prohibitions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 article on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and add this article to your Register.