Which AccessNI check do I need to coach or volunteer with children in Northern Ireland?

Question

Accepted Answer

Usually an enhanced AccessNI check, requested by your club or governing body. Check What it shows Use Basic Unspent convictions Anyone can apply for themselves (£16) Standard Spent and unspent convictions, cautions and informed warnings Must be countersigned by a registered body. Not suitable for roles working with children Enhanced As standard, plus relevant police information and, for regulated activity, a check of the children's barred list Roles providing services to, or with close and regular supervision of, children You must be 16 or over to get any AccessNI check. A barred list check is only available when the role is regulated activity. From 1 September 2026, Northern Ireland, like England and Wales, removed the supervision exemption: people who frequently teach, train, instruct, supervise or care for children are in regulated activity even if someone else supervises them. Enhanced and standard checks are free for eligible volunteers; the club decides which check the role needs.

Check	What it shows	Use
Basic	Unspent convictions	Anyone can apply for themselves (£16)
Standard	Spent and unspent convictions, cautions and informed warnings	Must be countersigned by a registered body. Not suitable for roles working with children
Enhanced	As standard, plus relevant police information and, for regulated activity, a check of the children's barred list	Roles providing services to, or with close and regular supervision of, children