Vetting for Providers

The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to 2016 together with the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 Part 3 provides the legal framework for persons working in relevant work or activity to undergo a vetting check prior to working with children and young people. In Northern Ireland, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 contains the legislation that makes it a legal requirement to not recruit a person barred from regulated activities. A “child” in The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to 2016 means a person under the age of 18 years.

Relevant work is defined in Schedule 1, Part 1 and 2 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 as activities that consists of any work or activity carried out by a person in which a necessary and/or regular part consists of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons. In order for any provider to be the Subject of a vetting application, that individual must be engaged in relevant work or activity on behalf of a relevant organisation. Where an individual is not engaged in relevant work or activities there is no legal power to access vetting services in relation to them.

If, as a provider, you will be specifically and predominately working or volunteering with children and young people or vulnerable persons, vetting is a requirement. If, as a provider, you are not specifically and predominantly working or volunteering with children and young people or vulnerable persons, and much of your contact with children and young people is incidental, vetting is not a requirement.

A “vulnerable person” means a person, other than a child who -

a) Is suffering from a disorder of the mind, whether as a result of mental illness or dementia,

b) Has an intellectual disability,

c) Is suffering from physical impairment, whether as a result of injury, illness, or age, or

d) Has a physical disability,

Which is of such nature or degree –

I. As to restrict the capacity of the person to guard himself or herself against harm by another person, or

II. That results in the person requiring assistance with the activities of daily living including dressing, eating, walking, washing, and bathing.

Providers, who are Visitors, sharing their skills and expertise during activities with children on an irregular basis should always be under the supervision of the staff and should not have unsupervised access to the children.

Vetting is a standard service available through Mountaineering Ireland. Going forward, if your circumstances change and you intend to work or volunteer with children and young people, vetting is available.

Vetting is also available for self-employed persons working in our Sport. Certain conditions may apply, including the requirement for a Child Safeguarding Statement. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

The Garda Vetting Process

Step 1

Complete the Garda Vetting ID Form 2025

Step 2

Complete the Safeguarding Recruitment Form (Vetting)

Step 3

Complete a code of conduct form for Adults/Leaders/Volunteers

Step 4

Return all forms to Mountaineering Ireland at the relevant address below or upload onto our new secure vetting web portal (coming soon)

The Access NI Process

1

Step One

Download and complete the Access NI PIN Form.

AccessNI-Applicant-Information-Leaflet

Return to [email protected]

The NI Direct system removes the need for ID copies to be sent, however, we still require key information for roles etc. in order to complete the process online.

2

Step Two

Create a (or log into your) NI Direct LOA2 account nidirect.gov.uk

(You can do this even if you live outside NI (enter your address manually).)

3

Step Three

Apply for your disclosure certificate online

Enter the PIN code provided on your Access NI Form.

Upload 2 forms of ID (e.g. birth certificate + passport/driving licence).

Ensure uploads are clear and in date.

4

Step Four

Wait for approval

NISF will check details and may return your application if corrections are needed.

Receive your certificate digitally in your NI Direct account.

5

Step Five

Share your certificate:

Log into NI Direct - choose Share Certificate.

Enter [email protected] (for Mountaineering Ireland).

A secure link is emailed (valid 5 days, viewable once).

If needed again, you must re-send.

6

Step Six

Complete the MI Safeguarding Recruitment Form (Vetting)

and Code of Conduct form for Adults/Leaders/Volunteers

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Safeguarding training is mandatory by law.

If you do not have a valid safeguarding certificate you cannot continue in your role until you refresh your training.

All Sport Ireland Safeguarding workshops are offered through the Local Sports Partnership Network and are available here.

For Providers in the ROI, the Sport Ireland Basic Awareness Workshop (Safeguarding Training Level 1: valid for 3 years) is a mandatory requirement in line with your vetting application.

If you have previously completed the Level 1 training, and your training is due for renewal, you can complete the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Refresher here.

For Providers in NI, the Safeguarding Children and Young People in sport (SCYPS) is required in line with your vetting application, for more information contact [email protected].

Safeguarding Training Policy

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]
PHONE 087 0007494