Access NI - Basic Check
Access NI Basic can be ordered directly by candidates or by their employers if they live or work in Northern Ireland. Our Access NI basic check service gives UK employers a fast, compliant way to screen candidates in the region without having to navigate the system themselves.
Understanding an Access NI Basic Check
Basic Access NI checks are criminal record checks specifically designed for individuals working in Northern Ireland. A basic Access NI check shows all unspent convictions or will state that no convictions were found, providing employers with essential background information to make informed hiring decisions. As the Northern Ireland equivalent of a Basic DBS, an Access NI criminal record check is the minimum level of vetting most employers will want before making an offer.
Key Features:
- Available to anyone aged 16 or over
- Anyone can apply for a basic check
- 99% of Basic checks are completed within 7 days
- Covers unspent criminal convictions in Northern Ireland
How it works
Order Access NI Basic
Candidate
completes form
Receive
results
When Do You Need an Access NI Criminal Record Check?
An Access NI criminal record check is typically needed whenever a candidate will be working in a role based in Northern Ireland - regardless of whether the employer is based there. UK employers hiring remote staff, field workers, or contractors operating in Northern Ireland will usually need an Access NI basic check as part of their standard pre-employment screening process.
For roles involving vulnerable groups or regulated industries, a higher level of check may be needed, but the Access NI basic check forms the foundation of most compliant hires in the region.
Why Are Basic Access NI Checks Required?
Basic Access NI checks serve several critical purposes:
Legal Compliance: An employer can ask all job applicants to apply for a basic check during the recruitment process, ensuring due diligence in hiring practices.
Risk Management: These checks help employers assess potential risks, particularly when hiring for roles involving vulnerable groups, finance, or positions of trust.
Regulatory Requirements: Many sectors in Northern Ireland mandate criminal record checks as part of their licensing or regulatory compliance.
Safeguarding: Access NI Basic Check is required for individuals who work with vulnerable groups, including children, elderly or disabled individuals.
How Basic Access NI Differs from Basic DBS
While both serve similar purposes, there are important distinctions:
Geographic Coverage:
Basic Access NI: Covers Northern Ireland only
Basic DBS: Covers England and Wales only
Processing Methods: Unlike the system in other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland gives the option for having your identity verified by a police officer in a police station instead of to a designated person in the registered body.
Application Routes: Basic checks can be done online, or through the post in Northern Ireland, offering more flexibility than the DBS system.
Legal Framework: Access NI operates under different legislation - established by the Northern Ireland Office as a result of the introduction in Northern Ireland of Part V of the Police Act 1997.
Why us?
No sign-up fees or ongoing costs: You only pay for the checks you need
~48-hour turnaround: Minimising delays to your recruitment process
References chased automatically and by real people: Our team follows up so you don't have to
Every screening reviewed by 3 separate team members: Reducing the risk of errors or missed flags
Free software demonstrations: See exactly how the platform works before you commit
Xavier, our proprietary screening platform: A user-friendly system built specifically for employers, with real-time candidate tracking
First-class customer service: a friendly, knowledgeable team available to answer your questions
Screening certificate and report available to download when completed
A Little More About Us
Since 2007, we at Eurocom CI have offered efficient pre-employment screening solutions to businesses of all sizes. Conducting criminal record checks so employees can make informed hiring decisions has always been one of our core services. Over the years, we have continued to improve our process, making it hassle-free and quick for all our clients. We have achieved this through user-friendly software and personable customer service.
We are an officially recognised Access NI umbrella body with permission to process Access NI basic checks. To ensure all standards are met, the Access NI audit our processes. Our previous audit in July 2025 was fully passed with no exceptions.
We Let Our Reviews Speak For Us
We have over 450 reviews that allow you to see what our previous clients thought when using us. Our 4.5 rating is something we are extremely proud of, and we spend every day trying to maintain and improve it. Any issues that our clients face are identified and quickly resolved. Get your criminal record check started today!