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For people with criminal records
For people with criminal records

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 do

Are 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.

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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

Join the FairChecks movement for criminal records reform

  • 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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30 / 04 / 25

Unlock CEO Paula Harriott: Reflection six months into the role

Paula Harriott joined Unlock from the Prison Reform Trust. She is a first-time CEO with lived experience.

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

There’s a talent pool of over 12 million people that you might be overlooking

People with criminal records make good employees. Make sure you’re not missing out. We support UK employers to recruit people with convictions and help them to deal with criminal records fairly.

Visit recruit now

12.5 million people have criminal records in the UK. We need your help to help them.

Help support us now