MU members who need to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI check can do so from our Disclosure check page. Photo: Shutterstock.
As of 17 February 2026, self-employed individuals teaching music to children and vulnerable adults can now apply for their own Enhanced AccessNI check using an AccessNI Umbrella Body.
This is because legislative amendments made to the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979 will come into force affecting those working in Regulated and Controlled Activity with children and vulnerable adults.
This means that MU members who teach in Northern Ireland can now apply for an Enhanced AccessNI check via the MU website and use the services of Total Screening, the Umbrella Body which has worked with the MU to process members’ disclosure checks for many years.
Applying through the MU
Should members wish to choose a different Umbrella Body for their application they should consult AccessNI’s list of Umbrella Bodies. It should be noted that Umbrella Bodies will charge a fee for their service in addition to the cost of the disclosure check.
The MU recommends that all members teaching music obtain an Enhanced disclosure check, although it is the responsibility of the self-employed person to apply for their own, and private employers or parents cannot obtain one on their behalf.
MU members who need to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI check can do so from our Disclosure check page.
Visit AccessNI’s website for further guidance, definitions, or to contact them.
If you’re a member and you have a question about the changes, please contact education@themu.org.