Access NI is the system used in Northern Ireland to carry out criminal record checks. The system is complex and includes three different levels of checks: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. It is a criminal offense to require candidates and staff to undergo a criminal record check in which they are not eligible for. Therefore, careful consideration and assessments need to be carried out before determining the level of check you require for your Organisation and job roles.

Think People are a Registered, Responsible Umbrella Body, which means we can carry out criminal record checks on candidates and staff on behalf of employers.

For ease, we have included a summary of the checks below:

Types of checks

1. Basic Access NI