AccessNI for Clubs- Information Page

All those working in regulated activity (coaching young people) must undergo an AccessNI Enhanced level check with a Barred List Check. This sort of check can only be undertaken by a Registered Body which in the case of cycling clubs in Ulster is Cycling Ulster.

AccessNI checks are administered by our Admin Officer Gemma McNamara.  All completed forms to be emailed to gemma.mcnamara@cyclingireland.ie

Please see the Safeguarding Page and Downloads Page for more information including the recruitment of ex-offenders and the secure handling of data provided by AccessNI

Six step Access NI process;

Step 1
A club identifies certain positions within their club either paid or voluntary which they believe meet the criteria for an individual to undergo an Enhanced level check with a Barred List Check. Examples of this could be;

  • a coach who works with young people or adults defined as vulnerable under the Protection of Freedoms Act.
  • a driver who regularly transports young people or adults defined as vulnerable.
  • a volunteer who, though not a coach, takes responsibility for the safety of young people or adults defined as vulnerable during training events or tournaments
  • those who travel to away trips matches, particularly overnights

This list is only an example and is not exhaustive.

Step 2
The Designated Club Official with responsibility for recruitment and vetting, gives the individual coach/volunteer a copy of the;

  • Access ID Validation Form Form which has Cycling Ulster’s individual registration number on it must also be returned to Cycling Ulster. This form has details how the applicant applies on-line for an Access NI Disclosure nidirect.gov.uk/accessni (form). This PIN notification form will also have the Cycling Ulster’s specific AccessNI number.  Access ID Validation Form

Step 3
Each applicant completes an Access ID Validation Form and follows instructions on how to apply for a Disclosure Certificate on-line. The applicant must include the 10 digit Access NI Reference number on the form (this number will be provided electronically on the confirmation page and available when the applicant completes their details on the Access NI on-line system). The applicant must complete their section of ID validation form. The other section must be completed by the club Chairperson/President/Secretary/ Safeguarding Officer who signs and marks on the final page what forms of identification they have seen in relation to the applicant, then returns it to Cycling Ulster.  Please Note

Copies of ID used must be kept by the person who validates the ID for ninety days

Step 4
Once the individual applicant has completed their online form notification of this is sent automatically to the governing body (if they are administering the checks directly). The governing body cannot administer their part of the process until they receive the ID validation form. The ID must be validated by the Club Safeguarding Officer, Chairman or Secretary and sent to Gemma McNamara, Cycling Ulster’s Designated AccessNI Signatory.

Step 5
When Access NI receive a request for an Enhanced Disclosure with a barred list check Access NI will check each individual’s details against;

  • The Criminal Record Viewer – which contains the NI criminal record,
  • The Police National Computer – which contains the GB criminal record
  • Relevant Disqualification Lists
  • Information held by relevant Police Forces throughout the UK for any additional non conviction material, including cases pending, which the Police consider relevant for Disclosure.

Step 6
Cycling Ulster will track the progress of the AccessNI application and if notified information has been returned on an application then the individual will be contacted directly and asked to produce the original certificate. Cycling Ulster will then review the information and make any necessary decision in keeping with Cycling Ireland’s Vetting Policy. At this point the applicant can chose not to show the Certificate and withdraw from the position for which the check was carried out.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Cycling Ulster/Cycling Ireland. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate or provided directly to us by the police.

A copy of Cycling Ulster’s Policy on Ex-Offenders can be found HERE.

Cycling Ulster has its own policy on the Secure Handling of AccessNI Information. You can download a copy of the policy HERE