To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether school governors have to undergo Access NI checks.

The Department's circular 2025/06 issued in March 2025 sets out arrangements for Pre-Employment / AccessNI check requirements and safer recruitment practices for staff and volunteers working in or providing a service for schools/education settings.

In the event a governor performs activities or functions that may fall within the definition of ‘regulated activity,’ it is expected that schools and BoGs, in their safeguarding and child-protection role, make a local assessment on whether an AccessNI Enhanced Disclosure Certificate is required.

The option to request an AccessNI check, without a check of the barred list, is

permissible under the legislation and schools/employing authorities may complete such checks if they have cause to use them as an additional safeguarding

measure.