Building a fairer future for people with criminal records
Our mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records in England and Wales to be able to move on positively in their lives.
Find out more about what we doAre you looking for help or advice with a criminal record?
Our information and advice has been created to help you understand your rights, get practical help and move on positively.
Search for what you need or browse our information topics. If you need more help, contact our helpline.
Ear to the ground, voice at the top
At Unlock we believe in giving a voice to people with criminal records, to improve their own lives, as well as improving the system for everyone.
Find out more about how we work
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We help
Unlock exists to make people’s lives with criminal records better.
We provide information & advice, as well as direct one-to-one support to help those who need it when navigating life with a criminal record.
We listen & learn
The best way that we can help people with criminal records, is by listening to people with criminal records.
We’ve built a strong community that not only help each other, but help us at Unlock to be as impactful as we can.
We take action
The best way we can help people is by changing the system that creates prejudice, stigma and discrimination for people with criminal records.
We work every day to influence those in power to do the right thing.
Latest news, advice, stories & more from Unlock
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Priorities for reform of the criminal records system
Unlock calls on the new Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to consider urgent criminal records reforms
Priorities for reform of the criminal records system
Unlock calls on the new Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to consider urgent criminal records reforms
Criminal records reform and the general election: a lost opportunity or time for change?
Policy officer Brendan Shepherd searches the main party manifestos for any sign of progress on criminal records reforms
Announcing our new CEO
Lived experience leader Paula Harriott joins Unlock this summer
Victims of crime have rights – having a criminal record shouldn’t block support
Our new briefing looks at the complex crossovers between having a criminal record and being a victim of crime.
Changing the system for the better
We are working every day so that Unlock doesn’t have to exist. The judicial system should be designed in a way that preserves people’s dignity and respect.
We don’t always need to change the system, sometimes we need to ensure that the current laws and regulations are being enforced and adhered to.
Find out more about all the work we’re doing to change the system.
Current projects
Our latest publications
- July 2024 Unlock submission to the Times Crime and Justice Commission
- July 2024 Unlock letter to Shabana Mahmood, 9 July 2024
- May 2024 Crossovers for people with criminal records who are also victims of crime
- May 2024 Unlock’s equity, equality, diversity and inclusion strategy 2023-26