Access NI Requests

AccessNI Checks: Levels of Checks

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What is an AccessNI check? 

An AccessNI check is a criminal background check used in Northern Ireland. Employers use it to make sure their staff are safe and suitable for the job. There are three types of checks: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. They show different levels of past criminal activity, including spent and ongoing convictions, cautions, and police records. 

More information can be found on the various levels of check in the Types of AccessNI checks guide. 

Rehabilitation of Offenders Orders and Their Role in Checks

Rehabilitation of Offenders Orders (ROOs) are rules that determine when some criminal convictions are 'spent.' This means they are usually not required to be disclosed. 

More detailed checks, such as enhanced checks, display both spent and unspent convictions unless they are exempt.

It is the responsibility of the requesting organisation and countersignatory to ensure that the role is relevant and meets the rules outlined in the ROOs. During the application process, AccessNI explicitly requests confirmation that the disclosure is required for the purposes of asking an exempted question; the exempted question means the position applied for is either listed in the:

Basic Check

A basic AccessNI check will include all unspent convictions or indicate if no convictions are found. Anyone is welcome to apply for a basic check, and employers can request that all job applicants undergo one as part of the hiring process.

Standard Check

A standard check provides a look at a candidate's criminal history, including both spent and unspent convictions, as well as informed warnings and other non-court disposals from the Police National Computer. 

Some older or minor convictions and non-court disposals might not be included in the report. Additionally, fixed penalty tickets and parking fines are not part of a standard check.

These checks are only available for roles that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978, and they are not suitable for positions that involve working with children or vulnerable adults.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a standard check.

Examples of roles requiring a Standard check include:

  • Barrister
  • Solicitor
  • Veterinary Surgeon
  • Actuary
  • Accountant (Chartered, Certified)
  • Pharmaceutical Chemist
  • Judicial Appointments

Further examples can be found in the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979. 

Enhanced Check

An enhanced check provides a comprehensive review of a candidate's entire criminal record, including both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and informed warnings, as well as other non-court disposals recorded by the Police National Computer. It also includes information held by the Disclosure and Barring Service for roles in regulated activities, as well as relevant details held by the police related to the specific role. 

Some older or minor convictions and non-court disposals might be filtered. Additionally, fixed penalty tickets and parking fines are not part of an enhanced check.

Candidates must be 16 or older to apply for an enhanced check.  The only exception applies to family members of a candidate under 16 who are registering as a childminder or who wish to adopt or foster a child.

Eligible roles that are not related to regulated activity are listed in both the Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978, and Regulation 9 of the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Disclosure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Enhanced Check: Regulated Activity Roles

Enhanced checks are typically necessary when the role involves working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults, particularly in situations where there is close and regular supervision. This is commonly known as working in a regulated activity. 

This check also includes a review of the 'barred' lists maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service and the Scottish Government.

Regulated Activity with Children 

Eligible roles for checks against the barred lists for regulated activity children and/or adults must be listed in Regulation 9A and/or 9B of the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Disclosure) Regulations. 

The following roles involve the candidate working unsupervised with children once a week or more, or engaging in intensive activities such as four consecutive days or overnight duties. Specifically, the candidate would be engaged in a regulated activity if they:

  • Teach, train, instruct, care for, or supervise children;
  • Provide advice or guidance regarding the well-being of children;
  • Drive a vehicle exclusively for the transportation of children;
  • Work within a school, children’s home, or childcare facility where contact with children is possible;
  • Provide personal care, such as washing, dressing, or healthcare services, to children;
  • Are registered as a childminder;
  • Or serve as a foster carer.

You can find further examples listed in the following guide: Health ni - regulated activity in relation to children

Regulated Activity with Vulnerable Adults 

The following roles involve the candidate working with adults in treatment or care, which makes them vulnerable at that time. Specifically, the candidate would be engaged in a regulated activity with adults if they:

  • Offer healthcare services as a General Practitioner, pharmacist, nurse, dentist, surgeon, or specialist.
  • Provide personal care, including dressing and washing.
  • Deliver social work services.
  • Assist with general household tasks such as managing cash, shopping, or paying bills.
  • Support in managing personal affairs, including legal documentation.
  • Transport an adult via vehicle to receive personal, healthcare, or social care.

You can find further examples listed in the following guide: Health ni - regulated activity in relation to adults

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