The Unlock Community provides a space for people with convictions to share their stories and experiences about living as a law-abiding person with convictions, give hope and inspiration for the future, and show examples of what’s possible.
Success Stories
Hear directly from people with convictions about their experiences living as a law-abiding person with criminal convictions
Struggles and Stigma
Learn about the various struggles and stigma that people with criminal records have faced, and how they have overcome them.
- “Let me put that in writing” – Why you should always confirm your criminal record in writing what you’ve said verbally
- “Second chances don’t feel like they exist if you’ve been convicted of a sexual offence”
- “You’re fired!” – Losing my job after my spent conviction came to light due to my own honesty
The latest opinions, views & reviews submitted by our Community members
View all news and updates
Criminal injuries compensation – make your voice heard now
There's just one week left to respond to the government consultation
Criminal injuries compensation – make your voice heard now
There's just one week left to respond to the government consultation
Civil death, civic dignity: exploring dis/enfranchisement through art
Guest author Dr Bethany Schmidt writes about an exciting new art project
Call for evidence: Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Share your views and help us hold the government to account
Redeveloping the disclosure calculator
Digital and Communications Manager Ruth Davies explains what's changed and why
3 ways that you can get involved with the Unlock Community
Our inclusive community is made by, and for, people with criminal convictions.
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The Forum
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Jobs & Opportunities
View available jobs & volunteering opportunities
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Top personal stories by topic
Most Popular
View all the most popular articles by Unlock from the last month
- Community Resolution Order
- Notification requirements
- GDPR and data protection – Guidance for individuals
- Travelling to the US – Will I get a visa?
- Travelling to the UK
- Unlocking Criminal Record Checks – A guide for people with a criminal record
- Travelling abroad with a criminal record – Country by country
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
About Criminal Records
- Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill (PCSC) – What does it mean for you?
- Which cautions and convictions will be removed from a standard or enhanced DBS? – A brief guide
- Criminal records that don’t show (stay) on standard and enhanced DBS checks (filtering and protected cautions and convictions)
- Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN)
- Extended sentences
Employment, Business and Volunteering
Everything you need to know about gaining employment, starting or running your own business, or volunteering.
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Insurance, Banking and Finance
Housing, and Living in the UK
The Criminal Justice System
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