Access NI | Enhanced CHecks

Navigating the complexities of recruitment in Northern Ireland? Look no further than our Enhanced Access NI Checks. Designed to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance, these comprehensive background checks are a non-negotiable requirement for roles involving vulnerable groups and regulated activities in Northern Ireland. From healthcare professionals to educators, if your work puts you in close contact with society's most at-risk, an Enhanced Access NI Check isn't just recommended—it's mandatory.

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What are Access NI Enhanced CHecks?

Access NI Enhanced Checks are background checks designed to provide a thorough vetting of individuals who carry out work involving vulnerable groups or other significant responsibilities.

The Access NI Enhanced Checks cover criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. It may also include any additional information held by local police that's considered relevant to the role.

Access NI Enhanced Checks are essentially the same as the Enhanced DBS Check, except they are specifically used by organisations recruiting in Northern Ireland.

Who needs an Access NI Enhanced CHeck?

These checks are only available to people engaging with the most vulnerable and at-risk demographics in society. Here are some examples of who might need this type of check:

Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients.
Educational Staff: Teachers, teaching assistants, and other staff members in schools, colleges, and universities.
Childcare Providers: Individuals working in nurseries, daycare centers, or as private childminders.
Social Workers: Those involved in providing social services, especially to children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults.
Sports Coaches: Those coaching children or vulnerable adults in various sports activities.
Adoption/Fostering Agencies: Individuals looking to adopt or foster children will typically need to undergo this check.
Religious Organizations: Clergy and other religious leaders who have regular contact with congregation members, including children and vulnerable adults.

This list is by no means exhaustive and there are some roles exempt from the normal criteria. For example, taxi and private hire drivers all need an Enhanced check in place for their licence.

If you’re unsure what check you need, get in touch and we can help!

How Do I Apply for an Access NI Enhanced Check?

You cannot apply for an Enhanced check as an individual. These background checks are reserved for employers working in sensitive industries or with vulnerable groups. To begin processing these checks, you would need to register your organisation directly with Access NI or with a registered body like Personnel Checks. We can help guide you through the process and ensure you get your Enhanced Checks with no issues.

To apply for an Access NI Enhanced Check, your applicants will need:

PIN given to them by the organisation that asked them to get an Enhanced check (We will provide this).
Five years address history
National Insurance number
Driving licence and passport numbers (if you have these documents) and 1 further ID document

What does an Enhanced Access NI check show?

This level of check shows the full details of a criminal record. The Access NI Enhanced Certificate will show any:

Spent or unspent convictions
Cautions
Warnings
Reprimands
An optional search of the Barred Lists.

This level of check will also include any notes from local police that they believe is relevant for you as an employer.

THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES CHOOSE PERSONNEL CHECKS

Enhanced DBS FAQs

The average turnaround times for an Enhanced Access NI Check are as follows:

- 70 per cent within 10 days
- 95 per cent within 21 days
- 98 per cent within 28 days

The average time it takes to complete an Enhanced Access NI Check can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the background check, whether the individual has spent time abroad, and the current workload of Access NI.

It's always a good idea to apply well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.
No, these checks are reserved for employers in sectors involving regulated activities. Individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced Access NI Check on their own.

To update or renew an Enhanced Access NI Check, you'll need to go through the application process again, as these checks do not have a set expiry date.
To apply for an Enhanced Access NI Check, you'll need to go through a registered body like Personnel Checks. The process typically involves the following steps:
Initial Contact: Reach out to the registered body to initiate the application process.
PIN Provision: The organization that requires you to undergo the check will provide you with a PIN.
Documentation: Gather the necessary documents, which usually include:
- Five years of address history
- National Insurance number
- Driving licence and passport numbers (if available)
- One additional ID document
Online Application: Use the provided PIN to complete the online application form, where you'll input your personal details and upload the required documents.

Verification: The registered body will verify the information and documents you've provided.
Submission: Once everything is verified, the registered body will submit the application to Access NI for processing.
Wait for Results: The average turnaround time for an Enhanced Access NI Check is between 4 to 6 weeks.
Certificate: Once the check is complete, you'll receive a certificate detailing the results.
Remember, you cannot apply for an Enhanced Access NI Check as an individual; it must be done through an organization that is eligible to request such checks.