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
Read Grace's story about her experiences and how Unlock helped her.
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 updates
Meet Paula
Twenty years ago, Paula Harriott was in a prison cell, starting an eight-year sentence. Now she's in her third week as Unlock's CEO.
Meet Paula
Twenty years ago, Paula Harriott was in a prison cell, starting an eight-year sentence. Now she's in her third week as Unlock's CEO.
Quashing convictions: Why a quashed conviction doesn’t automatically mean a clear criminal record
If your conviction is overturned, your criminal record may not be automatically cleared. Brendan Shepherd takes a look.
Reform the ROA: Rehabilitation of Offenders Act at 50
Today (31 July) marks exactly 50 years since the act gained royal assent. It's time to reform the ROA.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act at 50: Time for an update
Online searches and news websites mean some criminal convictions may never be forgotten, even when they are spent. Jo Easton takes a look.
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
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.
