All volunteers would be checked

The proposed reforms would extend background checks and bring all workers under the same umbrella.

The new guidelines would affect about 20,000 volunteers who work for the church.

They include Sunday school helpers, Boys Brigade officers and Girl Guide officers.

Records would be updated as individuals moved between activities in their church and transferred between congregations.

The Kirk's General Assembly will consider a report by the Board of Practice and Procedure next month outlining the proposals.

New system

Iain Whyte, director and general secretary, said: "Up until now we have relied on reference and interviews.

"Last year we agreed that when criminal records could be checked we would use them for new volunteers.

"The report outlines how the new system will work."

The report says that all church co-ordinators must be trained in operating the system.

It also warns that volunteers must not work with children prior to being tested by the Child Protection Unit.

Presbyteries should monitor compliance through an annual inspection of congregational records, it is recommended.