Transgender Policy
AccessNI operates a special application process for transgender people to assist in ensuring discretion to those who do not wish their previous gender (and names) to be disclosed to the person or organisation requesting the Disclosure.
AccessNI carries out Disclosures based on current and previous names and our process requires that all applicants provide these for checking purposes. This is intended to take account of names changed through marriage or by legal name changes.
We appreciate that transgender people may prefer to have complete privacy in relation to their past life and as a result we have made special arrangements to deal with applications from transgender people.
There is no need to disclose transgender status (especially on application forms) to an employer or other organisation who has requested that a Disclosure is carried out unless you are content for anyone to know these facts. Anyone holding a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is under no legal obligation to give this information to a prospective employer.
Disclosure Process for Transgender People
Complete the Disclosure application form stating your Current Title (B1) Current Surname (B2) Current Forename(s) (B3) and the name you are normally known by (B4).
There is no requirement for you to answer yes at (B6) unless you had other names which did not relate to transgender issues.
There is no requirement for you to disclose on the Application Form the name(s) you were previously known by (B7).
Complete the question regarding gender (B8) as your current gender.
You will be required to provide details of your previous name(s) under separate cover to AccessNI. This can be done by providing relevant details and documentary evidence relation to your previous name(s), for example, copy of your birth certificate which quote your previous name or any documents which verify your change of name. Please do not send originals – photocopies are acceptable.
The documents should be sent to:
The Operations Manager
AccessNI
Brooklyn
65 Knock Road
Belfast
BT5 6LE
To ensure additional privacy, you may wish to double envelope the documents and write ‘confidential’ on the inner one.
To enable us to link your application with your documentary evidence you should ensure you enclose details of your Registered Body (the organisation who asked you to complete the application form) if applicable eg name and address along with your contact details.
Please also indicate if you wish to have the supporting documents returned to you or shredded. Confirmation will be sent to you that this has been done.
The Disclosure Certificate will state your current name and will not disclose any previous names.
If you require any further information – please contact the Operations Manager at AccessNI through our Helpline number 02890 259100
