Registered Bodies

What is a Registered Body?

Employers wishing to use AccessNI’s services will need to register with us to become a Registered Body (RB).

Definition

Registered Bodies (RBs) are the mechanism through which applications for Standard and Enhanced Checks are processed. RBs have a critical role in the management of any information disclosed.

Typically, an RB will be an employer seeking disclosures as part of the overall employment/recruitment decision making process.

However, organisations who wish to administer disclosure applications on behalf of others can also register as Umbrella Bodies.

Who Can Become a Registered Body?

To become a Registered Body you must first be one of the following:

a body corporate, or unincorporate;
a person appointed to a position by virtue of a piece of legislation; or
anyone who employs others in the course of a business.

You must also be able to answer yes to one of the following questions:

am I likely to seek a Disclosure Certificate in connection with a position which qualifies for a Standard or an Enhanced Disclosure? or
on behalf of someone else, am I likely to countersign an Application in connection with a position which qualifies for a Standard or an Enhanced Disclosure?

An organisation or employer who is not eligible to be registered with us as a Registered Body may be able to use an organisation that is registered to apply to us on its behalf for a Disclosure Certificate, these are called Umbrella Bodies.

Lead and Counter-signatories

Each Registered Body is required to designate a Lead Signatory as part of the registration process for the organisation (see Part D in the Registration Form).

This Lead Signatory will be required to sign the initial application for registration, and will be the primary point of contact for AccessNI.

Once registered, the Lead Signatory may specify Counter-signatories to assist in applying for, and receiving, Disclosure Certificates. The Registration Form should be used for all subsequent applications for Counter-signatories. A charge will be levied for each Counter-signatory application. See service charges.

Lead and Counter-signatories must also undergo a suitability assessment at the equivalent of an Enhanced Check before they can countersign applications. However, no disclosure certificate will be issued as part of this process. If a Lead or Counter-signatory is considered unsuitable, AccessNI will simply not register them and will ask the Registered Body to submit an alternative. There is no appeal but a review of the decision may be requested in writing.

Once an organisation is registered, the Lead Signatory and Counter-signatories will be responsible for managing the whole process.

When processing Applications for Standard and Enhanced Disclosures, Lead or Counter-signatories must verify all the information provided by the Applicant, and ensure the access to Disclosure Certificates and the information they contain is managed in accordance with AccessNI’s guidelines.