Volunteer Forms

Volunteers aged 16 and above are vetted through the National Vetting Bureau. 

Volunteers must complete a Republic of Ireland ID Validation form (you can access the form below), along with submitting identity documents. This form must be witnessed (details of witnesses are provided on the form), then uploaded along with copies of the documents that were witnessed (photos will suffice).

Once we have verified these documents, we will forward your application to the National Vetting Bureau (NVB). You will then receive an email from the NVB. Please have your addresses from birth to hand along with your passport number, before clicking on the link within the email. The link stays valid for 30 days.

Note: Please do not complete this form unless you are 16 years old, it will be rejected by the vetting bureau, and you will need to complete it again.

Vetting is valid for 3 years, after this time you will be asked undergo vetting to renew your membership.

Volunteers in Northern Ireland must complete several steps, firstly apply for an enhanced disclosure through AccessNI and then complete ‘PIN Notification and ID Documentation’ form and upload via SOI Membership system. 

AccessNI 

1. Go to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-online-enhanced-check-through-registered-body 
2. Select the green button to create a nidirect account and apply for an enhanced check. If you already have a nidirect account you should use this. You may be prompted to uplift this account to a higher level – instructions will appear on screen. Guidance document to create a nidirect account 
3. You will need to retain your login credentials for future use.
4. A digital identity validation will be conducted when you create or uplift the nidirect account. Your current name, DoB and current address will be verified by nidirect. You will be asked to upload the required identity documentation and provide a selfie. Instructions will appear on screen.

If there are problems creating this account, contact nidirect on 0300 200 7868 or email nida@nidirect.gov.uk. 

5. Once you have successfully created/logged in, you will be taken to the on-line AccessNI application. 
6. Enter the PIN number shown below at Step 1 of the form completion. 

5 1 4 3 0 6

7. Complete the remainder of the application.
8. Upload the required identity documents to the AccessNI application form. You are required to upload two identity documents, chosen from the AccessNI list provided, to the AccessNI application form to allow the Signatory to verify that middle names and previous surnames have been provided. To help avoid delays, where possible the following documents should be uploaded with the application form:
   
    - Applicant’s birth certificate issued at time of birth or another suitable document that confirms the name(s) at birth and date of birth;
    - A document that contains both the applicant’s current name and photograph.
9. Continue to complete the remaining fields on the application.
10. At STEP 12 you must confirm and date the declaration.
11. When you click on confirm and proceed the application will be automatically forwarded to the Signatory for approval. The signatory can only approve when a signed and dated copy of page 2 of your ‘PIN Notification and ID Documentation’ form has been uploaded to the Special Olympics Membership system.

Please note that if you do not complete the process within three months, your AccessNI application will expire and you will need to restart the AccessNI application process.

Special Olympics Ireland’s Policy on Handling, Storage and Disposal of AccessNI Disclosure Information and our Policy on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders can be viewed from our website:  Safeguarding | Special Olympics Ireland

Special Olympics Membership System

1. Upload your ‘PIN Notification and ID Documentation’ form to SOI Membership system. Instructions are included in the email you have received.

Vetting is valid for 3 years, after this time you will be asked to reapply for an enhanced disclosure from AccessNI.