A streamlined system to check past records of people working or volunteering with children has been proposed by the Scottish Government.

Changes to the Protection of Vulnerable Groups legislation will make it simpler to keep track of changes and prevent needless checks against people with minimal contact with children.

Workers who are not left in charge of children, but who could come into contact with them, such as tradesmen working temporarily in schools or delivery drivers, will not be expected to undergo disclosure checks.

Adam Ingram, Children's Minister, announced the plans yesterday following a consultation to update the law passed last year.

The new moves would also create a membership scheme for people working with children and vulnerable adults, which will update their records automatically without the need for repeated checks.

Improved guidance will be provided for employers on which posts and roles should be covered under the legislation.

The Scottish Government believes the changes are necessary to ensure better protection for children and to cut red tape preventing people from volunteering.

A spokesman said the plans "build on what has been learned from the current disclosure and disqualification services to deliver a streamlined service".

Almost 200 responses to the consultation were received, including many from children's charities, local authorities and youth groups who welcomed the changes, but warned they will be monitoring the changes closely.

Kathleen Marshall, Scotland's Children's Commissioner, said: "I welcome (the changes) to the extent that they simplify and clarify parts of the process.

"We all want to keep children and young people safe while avoiding an over- cautious or over-bureaucratic approach that will put people off working or volunteering with children and young people.

"It is essential agencies, especially small agencies or individuals wishing to organise one-off activities, are helped to understand and implement these procedures."

A spokeswoman for the charity Children 1st said: "While written guidance is essential, we urge the Scottish Government to create a service that organisations and individuals can contact about how best to protect children, including how to implement the act, similar to our child protection in sport service.

"Vetting is essential to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children. However, it is only a small part of the culture, policies and procedures organisations need to have in place if children are to be protected."

The changes will not be implemented until 2010 and will take four years to allow compliance. In addition a list of those barred from working with protected adults will be created for the first time in Scotland.

Mr Ingram said: "The PVG scheme will mean records are updated automatically when someone's circumstances change, for example if they are convicted of a crime, allowing employers to more quickly and easily confirm if they are suitable."