Criminal record checks: an introduction

If you apply for some jobs your employer may wish or be required to get a criminal history record check (also known as an AccessNI check) on you. Find out when checks are needed, what they are and what the check will involve.

When criminal record checks are needed

When you apply for certain types of jobs, or some voluntary positions, you may be asked to apply for a criminal history record check. Positions where you might need a check are:

work that involves close and/or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults
work in the Civil Service or other government body or in a government building
work on that part of an airport where planes are based
work with controlled drugs
applying for a licence to drive a taxi or a public service vehicle (PSV)
applying for a licence with the Security Industry Authority
work in certain professions including accountants and solicitors

In all cases the employer, or voluntary organisation will advise you if a check is required, what type of check to apply for and what to do next.

What is a criminal record check?

Some organisations are required by law to consider the suitability of applicants for certain positions or to ensure that they are not barred from working with vulnerable groups. A criminal history check will search your details against UK criminal records and other police information and may reveal details of criminal convictions. In Northern Ireland the checks are carried out by AccessNI.

Types of check

There are three types of criminal history record check which provide different levels of information:

Type of check	Information provided
Basic disclosure	Criminal convictions that are not spent
Standard disclosure	All criminal convictions – even those that are spent
Enhanced disclosure	All criminal convictions – even those that are spent – plus other police information, such as pending prosecutions, and if necessary, whether you are prevented from working with children or vulnerable adults

A spent conviction means that a period of time has passed since the conviction which means that the person who committed the offence does not have to tell anyone about this.

Who can ask for a criminal record check?

If the position needs a criminal history record check any employer can ask for one. However, only organisations registered with AccessNI can submit applications for the checks.

There are two types of registered organisation:

a registered body - the employer/organisation
an umbrella body - a registered body that processes criminal record checks for non-registered organisations

An individual can also apply directly to AccessNI for a basic disclosure check. An individual can’t apply for a standard or enhanced disclosure check

Applying for a criminal records check

After the check is carried out

After AccessNI have carried out the criminal records history check they will issue a disclosure certificate containing the information found to the organisation and the individual.

Can I re-use the disclosure certificate?

A standard or enhanced disclosure certificate should not be re-used. This is because every application to see spent convictions or approved information should be countersigned by a registered person on the basis of the specific role or position.

A basic disclosure certificate only shows the unspent criminal record, or lack of criminal record, at a particular point in time however an employer may decide to accept a previously issued certificate. They will consider a number of things: