Step 1: Apply online for the Enhanced Access NI check here:
If you don't have an account, you can register as part of the application. After registering, you must return to this page to complete your application. Before beginning you must have with you:
The following PIN Information (423849)
Your address(es) for the last five years
Your National Insurance Number
Your Driving Licence and Passport Numbers (if you have these documents)
Step 2: Complete and ID Validation form
ID Validation Form signed and returned to Athletics Northern Ireland within 90 days of completing the Enhanced Check. Please return to: calum@athleticsni.org or post to Athletics NI, Athletics House, Old Coach Road, Belfast, BT9 5PR
Step 3: Sign up to Athletics Hub:
Step 4: Complete UKA mandatory training (Safeguarding & First Aid) via Athletics Hub
To make sure that registered bodies are operating in accordance with best practice, Access NI have produced a code of practice and sample policy statements.
Access NI code of practice PDF
Access NI Code of Practice
To protect information about applicants, registered bodies must comply with Access NI’s code of practice. The code ensures that information released in standard and enhanced checks is:
Access NI audits registered bodies to make sure of satisfactory compliance with the code of practice. Access NI can deregister a lead or counter signatory in a registered body that doesn’t keep to Access NI’s code of practice on information security.
Registered bodies will not automatically be issued with a copy of the applicant’s certificate. However, registered bodies will require applicant’s to provide their certificates in the following cases:
When an employer receives an Access NI certificate disclosing a job applicant’s criminal record, the employer is responsible for protecting this sensitive information. Registered bodies must comply with Access NI’s code of practice and handle disclosure information safely and securely. Employers should treat fairly job applicants and volunteers who have criminal convictions.
POLICY ON RECRUITMENT OF EX-OFFENDERS
HAVING A CRIMINAL RECORD WILL NOT NECESSARILY DEBAR YOU FROM WORKING WITH ATHLETICS NORTHERN IRELAND. THIS WILL DEPEND ON THE NATURE OF THE POSITION, TOGETHER WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND BACKGROUND OF YOUR OFFENCES OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED ON A DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE OR PROVIDED DIRECTLY TO US BY THE POLICE.
Both coaches & officials need to renew their license every three years. As part of this, they must complete an Access NI (details above), relevant training and upload a new photo to their MyPortal profile.
If you require further support in relation to coach or official licensing, please contact Club & Coach Development Officer, Luke Dinsmore on luke.dinsmore@athleticsni.org or 07703 430261.
From 1 October 2023, each of the Home Country Athletics Federations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) will assume responsibility for the licensing of coaches at all levels and officials at levels 1-3 in the UK.
From 1 October 2023, coaches at all levels and officials at levels 1-3 will be licensed to their respective HCAF rather than UK Athletics.
Individuals will be contacted directly by the HCAFs later in August to inform them of a change to the Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) of their license and to request that they accept revised licence T&Cs to enable coaches and officials to remain insured beyond 1 October.
Updated licensing terms & conditions for Coaches & Officials and codes of conduct for coaches & officials which will come into operation for 1 October 2023 are available here: