Building a fairer future for people with criminal records
Our mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records 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

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
View all news and updatesNew research shines a light on the complex landscape of University criminal records policies
Four bills currently going through parliament – and what they could mean for you
There are a number of bills currently before parliament that have implications for people with criminal records or at risk of acquiring one.
Double your impact this week with the Big Give
Donate to Unlock between 28 November and 5 December and your donation will be doubled
The Autumn Statement 2023 is a missed opportunity to support people with criminal records
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
- November 2023 Summary – A question of fairness 2023 – research into employers asking about criminal records at application stage
- November 2023 A question of fairness 2023 – research into employers asking about criminal records at application stage
- October 2023 Unlock briefing: Changes to the criminal records system (PCSC) October 2023
- October 2023 Access to higher education for people with criminal records – Unlock helpline review 2023
Upcoming training, workshops & events
View all events, training & workshops-
Online Event
Advising with Conviction - Unlock training workshop (Online event)
Supporting practitioners who are either advising or supporting people with criminal records into employment, volunteering and education.
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Online Event
Advising with Conviction - Unlock training workshop (Online event)
Supporting practitioners who are either advising or supporting people with criminal records into employment, volunteering and education.
-
Online Event
Understanding the ROA and rules on disclosing criminal records
Are you up to date with the laws around disclosing criminal records? Join us to find out how the criminal records disclosure system works.