NICVA briefing on new Access NI criminal disclosure service

Access NI Information Session

On Monday 17 December NICVA is hosting a briefing session on Access NI (ANI) the new criminal history disclosure service set to replace the PoCVA system and the CRO service provided by PSNI from 1 April 2008.

Access Northern Ireland (ANI) will be a criminal history disclosure service established by the Government under Part V of the Police Act 1997. It will provide access to criminal history information to individuals and, in certain circumstances, to organisations who are recruiting to sensitive positions. Typically, this will involve working with children or vulnerable adults. It will replace the PoCVA system and the CRO service provided by PSNI.

The session will take place on Monday 17 December from 10.30am to 1.30pm in NICVA.

Changes

Some of the main changes under the new service:

• Organisations needing to use this service (those involved with children / vulnerable adults) must register (from 1 Dec '07).
• In line with policy in England, Wales and Scotland, the new service must cover its costs. There will be a charge of £30 for each check but free check on volunteers except where volunteers are assisting a statutory group or a government-funded project.
• Definition of circumstances where the charge will be waived has been agreed by a cross-sectoral working group.
• The enhanced check will include disclosure of criminal convictions and relevant soft intelligence.
• Disclosure information will be released to both employer and applicant.
• More comprehensive than current check - includes info from across UK.
• Organisations must comply with codes of practice if they are to continue using the service.
• Organisations can cluster under an umbrella organisation to share costs i.e. one registration fee.

The session will involve presentation of information by Andy Thompson general manager of Access NI, with input from the sector, followed by questions and discussion. Visit www.accessni.gov.uk for further information.

Register

To book your place contact Cathy Breslin through cathy.breslin@nicva.org or on 9087 7777.