From 17 February 2026, self employed individuals and personal employees in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for an enhanced disclosure certificate (AccessNI) with a check of the barred lists, provided they are engaging in regulated activity.

This marks an important change in legislation. Until now, self employed professionals could not apply for an enhanced check on themselves. That meant independent workers often had no straightforward way to demonstrate their safeguarding status to prospective clients. From February 2026, that position changes.

If you are self employed and carrying out regulated activity, you can apply for an enhanced disclosure certificate that includes a check of the relevant barred list or lists. Applications must be made through a registered AccessNI Umbrella Body.

Who does this affect?

This change will be particularly relevant to those who work directly with children or vulnerable adults.

For example, a private piano tutor providing lessons to children can now obtain an enhanced disclosure certificate and show it to parents before lessons begin. Previously, this was not possible unless an organisation was involved in arranging the work.

Similarly, where an individual is directly employed by a family as a carer, that person is considered a personal employee. They too can apply for an enhanced disclosure certificate in order to demonstrate their suitability for the role.

In practical terms, this gives independent professionals a clearer and more transparent way to build trust with those who rely on their services.

How to apply

Applications from self employed individuals or personal employees must be submitted through a registered AccessNI Umbrella Body such as VETTING.com .

For more information or to enquire about your eligibility for a check please reach out to Vetting.com or email sales@vetting.com.

Read also: Self employed Standard & Enhanced DBS checks in England and Wales with VETTING.com.