Important Safeguarding Updates

Published · Updated

Please bear with us as a number of changes have been made to AccessNI policy and procedures recently  –  most relevant points, detailed below:

***  Updated Safeguarding information is available from Download a Document menu on website  ***

 

  1. NISF PIN Form – new Organisation PIN (120609)

Attached is the new NISF PIN Form and Applicant Leaflet – these have been updated where AccessNI have now given organisations a PIN (as opposed to individuals within the organisation).   This should mean no further changes to the PIN number as all signatories are registered to NISF.

    1. Please share the new PIN Form and Applicant Leaflet going forward (120609)
    2. Previous PINs  should work in the interim, but will gradually be phased out.  Please delete these PIN forms and used the attached for all new applications.
    3. Full Details through the ANI Circular:  AccessNI Circular 3/2026 – AccessNI Body PIN (Personal Identification Number)

 

  1. AMENDMENTS TO SAFEGUARING VULNERABLE GROUPS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 2007 – From 1st September 2026
  • Please see attached letter outlining changes to the SVGO from 1st September 2026, whereby supervised roles will be eligible for an AccessNI Enhanced Check.
  • This should apply to roles e.g. Assistant Coaches or those who may be in roles where supervision is undertaken by a manager/ lead individual that has been AccessNI checked.  
  • Previously this caused some confusion, but this change should help clarify roles that may now be in scope.

 

  1. PIN Form Reminders

NISF provides Umbrella Status for 41 Governing/ Sports bodies – as much as possible we look to keep the process as simple and clear as possible.

  • Please ensure:
    • You have a completed Service Level Agreement/ Letter with us (copies available if needed)
    • All details on P2 pf the PIN form are completed before sending to us.
  • Governing Bodies/ Organisations are responsible to maintain records of the outcomes of checks and recruitment.
  • Applicants should read the instructions on the PIN form carefully – we have seen an small  increase in queries from individuals who have completed the online section, but not forwarded a completed PIN/ Reference number to the NGB/ Organisation.

 

Reminders from recent AccessNI Updates (for reference):

  1. 1 September 2025 –  Digital Disclosure Certificates Process
  2. February 2026 – Self Employed ANI Applications