AccessNI Registration

Background

Basketball NI utilises a government organisation, known as AccessNI, to operate and manage a criminal history disclosure service. This service supplies criminal history information about job applicants, volunteers and employees. 

For those working with children or vulnerable adults Basketball NI insist upon a check. AccessNI searches details against UK criminal records and police information. Once the search has been completed AccessNI produces a disclosure certificate which is posted to the individual that has been checked as evidence of the check being undertaken.

Note that a conviction or caution does not necessarily impede an individual’s future in the game; each situation is considered in relation to the individual circumstances.

Update to Access NI Application

There have been several key updates to the Access NI application requirements which are aiming to streamline and simplify the current process:

PIN Form Process

It is no longer necessary to send the PIN Notification and ID Validation form and proof of ID to the safeguarding officer as all this information will be uploaded through the online application. However, please send the names of applicants to safeguarding@basketballni.com so we know which club each applicant is from.

Identification Requirements

Face-to-face verification is no longer required as ID verification is now carried out through the NI Direct account.

Only two forms of ID are now required (reduced from three).

The list of accepted documents has been expanded, providing greater flexibility for applicants. This list can be found through the link below.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/acceptable-forms-id-criminal-record-checks

Application Adjustments

ID cross-checks and address verification is now completed through the online applications. If any changes are required, the application will be returned to the applicant and they must make these changes directly through their NI Direct account.

Certificates

As of the 1^st September 2025 Access NI are issuing only Digital Disclosure Certificates.

These changes aim to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden while maintaining robust verification standards. Please ensure this information is shared with relevant team members.

The Process

The application will take about 15 minutes.  The application will be reviewed and processed normally within 14 days by our safeguarding officer, and  a certificate will then be issued digitally within 28 days.

Step 1

Before you start will need the following information:

• BNI pin code: 586905
• Your address(es) for the last five years
• Your National Insurance number
• Your driving licence and passport numbers (if you have these documents)

Step 2

• Go to the AccessNI website and select the green button to Apply for an enhanced check through a registered body.
• Register your account by creating a user ID and password [keep these details safe as you will need them to track the progress of your case].
• Once you have successfully logged in, you will be taken to the on-line application.

Step 3

• Enter the PIN shown in step 1. Complete the remainder of the online form and click “Confirm and Proceed” to finish the process
• Please include your club’s name during step 5 in the ‘organisation reference’ box.

• On the final screen you will see a 10-digit AccessNI reference number. Copy that number down as this is how you can track your application.

Step 4

• After you complete your online application, this will be sent to our safeguarding officer to complete ID verification and forward onto Access NI for processing.
• You will be able to track its progress by logging into your account or by using the link included in the confirmation email you will receive.
• If you have any questions, please contact our Safeguarding Officer