The UK government are reviewing the new Vetting and Barring Scheme. The new registration requirements for the Independent Safeguarding Authority, which were due to begin on 26th July, have been halted. 

However, AccessNI will introduce the new application forms to coincide with the original plan to commence the new scheme. For our clubs, this means that any applications for AccessNI clearance using the existing forms must be received in Swim Ulster's office by Monday, 5th July. These will be processed and lodged with AccessNI before their cut-off date of 9th July.

The new version of the AccessNI form can be used from 14th July. The new form for enhanced applications is available from www.accessni.gov.uk but you cannot use a date before 14th July when completing these new forms (for example, in part G you are required to sign and date the form - you cannot use a date before 14th July).

When completing the new form, you complete parts B, C, D, E, F and G. Leave the other sections blank.

Although the ISA registration process has been halted, there are still parts of the new scheme which will be introduced. For example,

• there is still a legal obligation to refer information to the Independent Safeguarding Authority if you have removed an individual from 'regulated activity' because they have harmed or there is a risk of harm to a member of a vulnerable group.
• you must not knowingly  employ, or accept as a volunteer, a barred person in regulated activity.
• the two new barred lists will continue to be administered by ISA and can be checked through an enhanced AccessNI check.

Our clubs should;

• ensure the committee and members understand their current responsibilities under the Vetting and Barring Scheme
• understand what 'regulated activity' is
• understand who is a 'regulated activity provider'
• ensure you are clear who is responsible for making referrals
• make sure members know how to complete the new AccessNI form
• wait for further updates on the ISA review and when/if people need to register.

The government have provided the following definition of 'Regulated Activity' -

" teaching, training or instruction, care or supervision of children or provided for vulnerable adults. It will include people such as sports coaches, football referees, private tutors, teachers, childcare workers, youth workers, probation officers, prison officers".

This definition obviously includes teachers/coaches in our clubs, but not people such as committee members who do not have a pool side role. However, committee members who manage or supervise teachers/coaches are also carrying out regulated activity.

For people like committee members who do not have a pool side role, a Basic AccessNI form should be completed.

The enhanced check is carried out free of charge for our volunteers, but AccessNI will charge £26 for Basic AccessNI checks. Payment for a Basic Check should be made payable to AccessNI.

The government provides the definition of a Regulated Activity Provider as-

"an organisation that is responsible for the management or control of regulated activity, paid or unpaid, and makes arrangements for people to work in that activity. This will usually be an employer or a voluntary organisation".

All Swim Ulster clubs are included in this definition as Regulated Activity Providers.

If you have any queries on the AccessNI process, please contact Swim Ulster's Business Manager, Gerry Cappa, at 028 90667546 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it