NI Appointments Procedure
Information for GSLs/Line Managers
New Members:
All new adults in Scouting must be added to Compass and AccessNI checked. This is the procedure for GSLs/Line Managers to follow.
Appendix-1-Invitation-Letter-November 2023 The GSL/Line Manager gives this to the new Leader and arranges to meet with them at an appropriate date, time and venue (with wifi) to add them to Compass, check their ID and carry out their AccessNI online application with them.
Appendix-2-Information-form-November 2023 The GSL/Line Manager completes this form and sends it to the Appointments Secretary after adding the new Leader to Compass, checking their ID and carrying out their AccessNI online application with them.
GSL-Checklist-updated-November 2023
Existing Members require an AccessNI Recheck every five years and GSLs/Line Managers should use these forms:
Appendix-3-RECHECK-Invitation-Letter-November 2023 The GSL/Line Manager gives this to the Leader requiring a Recheck and arranges to meet with them at an appropriate date, time and venue (with wifi) to check their ID and carry out their AccessNI online application with them.
Appendix-4-RECHECK-Information-form-November 2023 The GSL/Line Manager completes this form and sends it to the Appointments Secretary after checking the Leader’s ID and carrying out their Access NI online application.
GSL-RECHECKS-checklist-updated-November 2023
AccessNI
As an organisation using AccessNI to help assess the suitability of applicants for positions of trust, The Scout Association complies fully with the AccessNI Code of Practice – Download a copy at this weblink: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice
It is a requirement of AccessNI’s Code of Practice that all Registered Bodies must treat applicants for Disclosure Certificates who have a criminal record fairly and do not discriminate because of a conviction of other information revealed. It also requires Registered Bodies to have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. Download here Appendix A – Guidance for Rehabilitation of Offenders 2023 – Northern Ireland
Appendix Aii- Scouts- Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
In seeking to ensure compliance with the AccessNI Code of Practice, The Scout Association has a Security Policy for handling and storing Disclosure information – Download a copy here Appendix B- Scouts- Secure-storage-and-handling policy-NI- Updated Nov 2023
Regulated activity is work that a barred person must not do. This note provides information on the scope of Regulated Activity in relation to children, defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (SVG) Act 2006 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, both as amended (in particular by, respectively, section 64 and Schedule 7, Protection of Freedoms Act 2012). This note is about the law in England and Wales, and in Northern Ireland. Download a copy here: Appendix Ci – Regulated-activity-children
Barred list checks
People on barred lists are barred from regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for someone on these lists to work or apply to work in regulated activity.
The Disclosure and Barring Service keeps two barred lists:
- people who are unsuitable for working with children
- people who are unsuitable for working with vulnerable adults
Issuing of the AccessNI Disclosure
Once the Disclosure certificate is issued to the volunteer by AccessNI, the Membership Engagement team at UKHQ will inform either the relevant Commissioner or the local Appointment Secretary of the outcome and whether the volunteer is able to start in their role. The volunteer’s Compass record will be updated to reflect the outcome.
Access NI will introduce digital certificates for applications received on or after 17 July 2018 that contain no information, there is no need to share this with us. If a disclosure does contain information then the applicant will receive a paper certificate and we will write to them, asking them to send it in following the usual vetting process.
AccessNI Disclosure checks are just one element of the National Vetting Process and the issuing of the certificate does not signify that the volunteer is able to begin straight away.
