AccessNI criminal records checks

The steps to making and countersigning an application are as follows.

Applicant role

• Lead signatory (LS) or counter signatory (CS) advises the applicant which type of check to apply for and directs the applicant to the relevant web page on nidirect. LS or CS will also provide the applicant with their 6-digit PIN number.
• Applicant clicks the application button to create an nidirect account.
• As nidirect will verify the identity of the applicant, ID documents and a selfie have to be uploaded by the applicant.
• Once nidirect has verified the applicant's identity, the applicant clicks the link in the confirmation email to activate the account.
• Applicant again clicks the relevant button on nidirect to make an application.
• Applicant logs into their account and enters in PIN number into the application.
• Applicant completes personal details on the form, confirms the declaration, and clicks 'submit' to transfer the application electronically to the LS or CS.

CS/LS role

• LS or CS picks up the application, having logged on to their nidirect account.
• LS or CS checks the uploaded ID documents to verify that the information matches the details provided on the AccessNI application form.
• LS or CS checks the summary of the information provided by the applicant and completes the form, including, for standard and enhanced checks, the position for which the application is being made.
• LS or CS confirms the declaration form.
• LS or CS clicks the submit button, and the completed application is transferred to AccessNI for processing.

AccessNI will process the application. The LS/CS and the applicant can track the progress of any case by logging into their account.

Disputing incorrect information

The content of an AccessNI check can be challenged or disputed if it contains an error, inaccurate, or irrelevant information. To raise a dispute, the applicant should log into their nidirect account, where they will have the option to view/share or dispute/appeal the information on their disclosure certificate. 

Disputes must be raised within 90 days of the date of issue on the certificate. Dispute an AccessNI certificate.

AccessNI has a privacy notice that outlines its legal grounds for processing the personal data of applicants and signatories, details of the personal information collected, the purposes for which this is collected, and how this is used by AccessNI.