Regulations governing adults who regularly work with children and other vulnerable groups will be overhauled as part of new Scottish Government plans, streamlining the current disclosure checks system.

After consulting on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Act the Government plans to remove checks on professional traders visiting schools, while also introducing a "membership" programme that automatically updates when someone is convicted of a crime, ending the current system of multiple disclosure applications.

It is intended that this will be more efficient and less costly than the current system, with the changes set to be gradually introduced over the next four years to allow time for full compliance from professionals working with children.

Children's Minister Adam Ingram said: "We must ensure when we drop our children off at school or when a family member requires health or welfare services they are not left in the care of someone who has a history of harmful behaviour.

"It's also vital that we detect those who become unsuitable while in the workplace, which is why we're looking to strengthen the system and end situations where a person could work with children for decades but only go through the vetting process at the start of their job.

"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."

He also criticised "unnecessary red tape" in the existing regulations, arguing that the new proposals will deliver "a proportionate approach to vetting" that better protects vulnerable groups and allows reputable professionals to offer their help without any bureaucratic obstacles.

The Scottish Government plans also include provision to create a list of individuals barred from working with vulnerable adults, the first time such a list has been available in Scotland.