A DUNDEE MSP has called for a shake-up of the system used to carry out criminal background checks on people who work with children and vulnerable adults.

Shona Robison, SNP member for Dundee East, was speaking in the wake of claims Disclosure Scotland has been causing frustration for many applicants, some of whom have needed multiple checks done in a matter of months.

She said the body and the criminal justice system could work more closely together to track offenders, without the need for repeated checks on those seeking to work for schools and voluntary groups.

She said, “If you are doing work for one organisation and similar work for another it seems an awful lot of bureaucracy.

“Surely the sensible thing is to improve communication with the criminal justice system after someone has been okayed by Disclosure Scotland.”

Ms Robison is convinced voluntary groups are still suffering delays in having potential staff approved.

Constituents are complaining about the time processing takes, she said.

One person who knows the problems the system can create is Christopher Smith (18), who has been forced to apply for an enhanced check—the highest of three levels—three times in just over six months.

All his applications have involved the same type of position, but within three different organisations.

The Scottish Executive said it is carrying out a consultation under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act to make disclosures more transferable.

The Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS), which helps volunteers obtain free disclosures before sending them to Disclosure Scotland, said there are no delays at its end.

Disclosure Scotland insisted it now works within a two-day turnaround.

A spokeswoman said the certificates are similar to MOTs in that the background checks are valid only on the day of issue and individual employers must be sure they have carried out up-to-the-minute inquiries.

Tennis Scotland, said the service has been fairly speedy recently, but suggested there might be a need for greater information sharing to cut out the need for multiple checks.

Spokesman David McDermott said, “The important thing is portability but I think there are moves to improve it.”

He said there was concern surrounding enhanced checks that allow chief constables to insert non-conviction-related information on the copy of the disclosure provided to the organisation, but not on the one issued to the individual.