How AccessNI checks benefit employers

Find out how your business could benefit from undertaking an AccessNI Basic check.

What is AccessNI?

AccessNI is part of the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. AccessNI provides a criminal history disclosure service to citizens and a wide range of employers and voluntary groups.

AccessNI Basic check

The AccessNI Basic check is available to anyone in Northern Ireland. This check discloses details of an individual’s ‘unspent’ convictions, in accordance with Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978. It is already being used by many employers across Northern Ireland to assist in making more informed recruitment decisions.

How do AccessNI Basic checks work?

On receipt of an application, AccessNI runs enquiries on the Police National Computer. Any unspent convictions found in relation to the applicant are transcribed onto a disclosure certificate and sent to the applicant. The process is very quick, with certificates for 99% of fully completed applications returned to the applicant within one working day. Certificates are available either digitally or on security-enhanced paper.

Why should an employer undertake an AccessNI Basic check?

The benefits to employers of undertaking an AccessNI Basic check include:

• Many employers in Northern Ireland already ask prospective employees if they have any convictions when they complete the initial job application form. In disclosing unspent convictions, the AccessNI Basic check provides you with assurance about the response provided by the applicant on the job application.
• Employers invest a lot of time and effort in seeking to recruit the ideal candidate for any given position. At only £16, the cost of an AccessNI Basic check is negligible in respect of these recruitment costs, especially if requested early in the process.

How do I apply for an AccessNI Basic check?

The online application process is straightforward. Applicants simply log on to the nidirect website at Basic check and follow the instructions. You will be required to:

1. Create an account (if you don’t already have one).
2. Complete the online application.
3. Pay the fee (£16, using appropriate debit / credit card).
4. Submit application and identity documentation to AccessNI.

In addition to the above process, AccessNI would be happy to discuss setting up a Responsible Body account status for employers likely to submit 20+ Basic checks on an annual basis.

Further information from AccessNI

If you want to know anything further about AccessNI Basic checks you can contact AccessNI by Tel 0300 200 7888 or email ani@accessni.gov.uk.

For further guidance, see AccessNI criminal records checks.

First published 3 June 2024