How the SIA checks your record

AccessNI is used if you live in, or have lived in, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland in the last five years. Disclosure Scotland is used for Scottish residents, and the DBS for England, Wales and applicants living outside the UK. Each has a different process: the SIA arranges the DBS check for you, while AccessNI and Disclosure Scotland need you to complete steps yourself.

Outstanding charges must be declared. If they are relevant, the SIA may wait for the court outcome, and withdraws the application if charges are still outstanding a year later. The same applies to ongoing investigations by a public body.