Latest News
1 July 2008
Progress of your application Form
We are currently processing Basic Disclosure Application Forms received on 10 June, Standard Disclosure Application Forms received on 28 May, and Enhanced Disclosure Application Forms received on 21 May
19 June 2008
Progress of your Application Form
To help you track the progress of your application form you may wish to know that:
We are currently processing Basic Disclosure Application Forms received on 4 June, Standard Disclosure Application Forms received on 27 May, and Enhanced Disclosure Application Forms received on 13 May.
Any Application Forms received before the dates listed have been dealt with and you should receive your Disclosure Certificate shortly.
9 June 2008
Service Standards - Enhanced Applications
Due to the large volume of applications received and due to implementation issues, AccessNI has revised its service standards for the delivery of Enhanced disclosure certificates. The new standard is to deliver;
90% of Enhanced certificates within 6-8 weeks We would apologise to all our customers for this delay. We are working hard to resolve this and hope to return to a 4 week turnaround in Autumn 2008. In the meantime, you are urged to send applications to AccessNI as quickly as possible to reduce potential impact of this on your organisation.
5 June 2008
Insufficient Postage
We have been informed by Royal Mail that a number of items cannot be delivered to us as full postage has not been paid by the sender. Royal Mail will keep a Recorded Signed For item for one week and all other items for three weeks before being returned to the sender.
21 May 2008
New Disclosure Certificates
From 26th May 2008, AccessNI will be introducing new paper onto which we will be printing our Disclosure Certificates. This new paper incorporates additional security features which enhance the integrity of our Certificates. All Certificates issued prior to the 26th May remain valid.
16 May 2008
Umbrella Bodies
A number of organisations have registered with us to make applications for Standard and Enhanced Disclosures on behalf of other organisations or individuals. Anyone wishing to use the services of an Umbrella Body should follow the link to List of Umbrella Bodies tofind the most suitable organisation for their requirements.
1 May 2008
AccessNI Forms
AccessNI will accept double sided forms - Applications forms and Registration forms.
1 April 2008
AccessNI Launched
The formal launch of AccessNI took place today at Dr B's Kitchen, Belfast. Minister Paul Goggins MP spoke to an invited audience representing the statutory and voluntary sectors emphasising the importance of the new service in safeguarding the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland.
AccessNI is now open for business and is receiving applications for Basic, Standard and Enhanced disclosures on the appropriate application forms. The first two disclosure certificates were issued today.
31 March 2008
POC and POVA Applications
Please note that AccessNI cannot accept old POC or POVA applications. The last date for such forms to be passed to PSNI or DHSSPS was 17 March. All applications to AccessNI must be made on the new forms which can be found on this web-site.
31 March 2008
700 Groups Register with AccessNI
With one day to go-live date, AccessNI has received 700 registrations from the statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors. These incldue many Umbrella bodies acting on behalf of other organisations. If your organisation hasn't yet Registered with AccessNI and you need criminal history or other information, please Register as quickly as possible. Registration forms can be found on this web-site.
31 March 2008
"Subject Access" Checks
Please note that from 1 April it will no longer be possible to receive criminal history information for the purposes of obtaining employment through a "subject access" check from PSNI. From 1 April anyone who needs a copy of their criminal history in order to provide this to their employer must make application through AccessNI on the appropriate application form. Please contact our customer information team for further details on 90-259100.
7 February 2008
Quick Guide Now Available
A new Quick Guide to AccessNI is now available in PDF format. The link to this document will be found on the About AccessNI page of the website - click on the Quick Guide to AccessNI to view this or download to your computer. The Quick Guide provides much of the information you need to know about AccessNI and the new system of Disclosures in a condensed and easy to read format.
5 February 2008
Direct Debits
Please note that at present AccessNI is unable to process payment for Disclosures by Direct Debit. Accounts can still be opened but settlement of invoices will need to be made in the first instance by cheque, payable/postal order or BACS. We will let customers know as soon as the Direct Debit facility is available. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
5 February 2008
Countersignatories
A number of applications for initial registration have been accompanied by applications for countersignatories to be registered at the same time. AccessNI can not accept any applications for the registration of countersignatories until the initial registration process is complete and Registered Bodies have been advised accordingly. Only then can application for registration as a countersignatory be made and considered. If you require further advice please ring our Customer Service team on 02890 259100.
24 January 2008
Eligibility to Work in the UK
It is the responsibility of every employer to satisfy themselves that an employee is entitled to work in the United Kingdom. Employers should check all prospective employees' entitlement to work in the UK, or they risk breaking the law. The checks required depend on when the employee will be, or was recruited. The Border and Immigration Agency provide detailed guidance on what is required on their website http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/preventingillegalworking/.
29 November 2007
Letter Announcing Transition (pdf)
29 November 2007
Free Registration Scheme for Umbrella Bodies in the Not-for-Profit sector.(doc)