SMARTPAY NI Access-NI Check Service


Access-NI run criminal background checks on behalf of employers for eligible roles:


• Standard check: pharmacy technicians and delivery drivers


• Enhanced checks: pharmacists and foundation trainee pharmacist and staff offering health services


If your business has less than 20 checks per year, you need to use an Umbrella Body, such as UCA-NI, to help you complete this process. As part of your pharmacy’s governance policies, you can ask for Access-NI checks on any employee in an eligible role, as a pre-employment check, or at regular intervals for existing employees.


UCA-NI Umbrella Body service provides:


• information and guidance plus template documents required


• guidance for you and your employees on how to apply for the checks


• information and guidance once the check is complete


Foundation Training Year – 2026 Cohort


The window is now open for Access-NI checks as part of your pre-employment checks for foundation trainees starting in August 2026.


NICPLD ask for these checks to be completed by July 1 for August starts and January 1 for February starts.


Contact adrienne@ucani.co.uk if you wish to use our Umbrella Body service.


NEW for Spring 2026


Business owners can now apply for an Access-NI check. Anyone who is self-employed can now go through an Umbrella Body to apply for a check on themselves.


Find out more in the Resources section on the UCA-NI website www.ucani.co.uk or contact Adrienne Clugston – adrienne@ucani.co.uk


CAUSEWAY TELECOM


UCA’s partner for telephone and broadband – great advice, competitive pricing and seamless installation.


To discuss your needs and book a


consultation visit, contact Jonny Caskey: jonny@causewaytelecom.co.uk


Pharmacy Apprenticeships Funded Training


An apprenticeship is recognised as a great way to learn the required knowledge and put it straight into practice. Pharmacy apprenticeships are fully funded by the Department for the Economy in NI for Level 2 (dispensing assistant) and Level 3 (pharmacy technicians). They are also open to trainees of any age as it is recognised as a sector that has a shortage of qualified staff.


Level 2


An apprentice must work 21 hours per week and learning options include:


Day release to a college based programme - regional colleges or Belfast Met


Online live learning during working hours (paid time) - UCA-NI programme through Global Horizon Skills


Level 3


An apprentice must work 21 hours per week and learning options include:


Day release to a college-based programme - regional colleges or Belfast Met


Eligibility criteria for apprenticeship programmes include minimum English, Maths and ICT qualifications, although extra help will be provided to any Level 2 candidate who does not hold, or need to boost their marks in these subjects.


For supporting their trainees through the programme, a completion bonus of £670 is provided to the business for each successful apprentice.


Alternatives to the apprenticeship programmes for Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications, include NPA, Buttercups, who offer flexible online learning but these are not funded training programmes.


The UCA-NI & Global Horizon Skills Level 2 Pharmacy Services Apprenticeship is suitable for staff working on the pharmacy counter and within the dispensary who are working a minimum of 21 hours per week. Trainees attend a two hour Zoom class every two weeks with NI-based trainers.


Please contact catherine@ghskills.com for more information or to register. You can also contact UCA if you have any questions.


GLOBAL HORIZON SKILLS


UCA’s partner for business, retail and pharmacy assistant training.


For information on courses available, contact Catherine McGeady Tel: 07538 192839


www.ghskills.com www.causewaytelecom.co.uk


UCA’s partner for card payment solutions – competitive prices, smooth switching and installation and supportive after sales service.


For further information or to book a consultation visit, contact SmartPayNI


028 7116 3240 (L/Derry) or 028 9099 3545 (Belfast)


Email your last invoice for a quick comparison: admin@smartpayni.co.uk


www.smartpayni.co.uk


COASTAL CORE


UCA’s partner for vaccination and first aid training. For information on courses available, contact UCA-NI


pharmacyinfocus.co.uk 5


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