Overview of Access NI

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Overview of Access NI

• The Junction
• 28 May 2008

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Aim

• To provide an overview to help you understand the
  operational processes and your responsibilities
  within the Access NI service

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What is Access NI?

• Established by NIO, DHSSPSNI, DE PSNI.
• Enables organisations to make more informed
  recruitment decisions.
• Provides full criminal history for staff /
  volunteers in prescribed positions.

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Relevant Legislation

• Part V of Police Act (1997).
• Protection of Children Vulnerable Adults (NI)
  Order (2003).
• Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978.
• Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exemptions) Order
  (NI) 1979.
• Data Protection Act 1998.

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Why use Access NI?

• 11 million people working with children /
  vulnerable adults in UK.
• 100,000 people in NI have criminal convictions
  (mainly motoring offences) age of criminal
  responsibility in NI is 10yrs.
• To ensure that prospective staff / volunteers are
  suitable for your organisation.

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Who can use Access NI?

• Individuals can request a Basic disclosure on
  themselves.
• Organisations who are registered bodies can apply
  for Standard and Enhanced disclosures for their
  preferred applicants for prescribed posts.

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Fees?

• 150 as one-off registration fee.
• Includes lead signatory enhanced check
• 10 for each further counter signatory.
• Standard disclosure 28.
• Enhanced disclosure 30.
• Basic disclosure 26.

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What Level of Check?

• Basic anyone can apply for basic disclosures
  employers will need individuals consent to do
  so.
• Standard Exempted Question (ROA) someone with
  any level of contact with children or vulnerable
  adults.
• Enhanced will be working with children
  (regulated post) or vulnerable adults (care
  position) within their normal duties as under
  POCVA.

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Information Sources Checked

• Every application
• Criminal Record Viewer (NI criminal record).
• Police National Computer (GB criminal record).
• Standard Enhanced
• As for Basic Checks, plus
• Disqualification from Working with Children (NI)
  List.
• Disqualification from Working with Vulnerable
  Adults (NI) List.
• List 99 (England / Wales).
• Protection of Children Act and Vulnerable Adults
  Lists (England / Wales).
• Unsuitable Persons List (NI).
• Relevant Scottish Lists

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Information Sources Checked

• Enhanced
• As for standard checks plus.
• Additional non conviction (soft) information
  which Police consider relevant to the disclosure.
• Ast Chief Constable decisions.
• Police Local Exchange check.
• Local police station check.
• Checks for people working at home take longer .

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Disputes

• Raise dispute within 90 days
• Basic directly
• Standard / Enhanced through Reg. Body
• Disclosure process repeated by Access NI
• If info different raise issue with appropriate
  agency.
• If incorrect info from Reg. / Umbrella Body fee
  required for new disclosure
• If remain dissatisfied contact Information
  Commissioner

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Resources

• AccessNI
• www.accessni.gov.uk
• Our Duty to Care
• www.volunteering-ni.org
• NIACRO
• http//www.niacro.co.uk