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
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.
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
New research highlights discrimination against people with criminal records in labour market
Dr Marti Rovira explains his findings
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
Discuss topics, answer questions, and more.
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Jobs & Opportunities
View available jobs & volunteering opportunities
Vacancies
Top personal stories by topic
Most Popular
View all the most popular articles by Unlock from the last month
- Travelling to the US – Will I get a visa?
- Travelling to the UK
- International Child Protection Certificate (for working overseas)
- Youth rehabilitation order (under 18)
- Savings accounts and credit union accounts in prison
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
- Information contained on UK passports
About Criminal Records
- ‘How long do I have to disclose my criminal record for?’ – A detailed guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Drag-through explained
- 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)
Employment, Business and Volunteering
Everything you need to know about gaining employment, starting or running your own business, or volunteering.
- ‘How long do I have to disclose my criminal record for?’ – A detailed guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Job application tips from Unlock
- Working in the healthcare sector
- Applying for an anonymity order when bringing a claim against an employer
- ‘Do I need to disclose my criminal record?’ tool
Education
Insurance, Banking and Finance
Housing, and Living in the UK
The Criminal Justice System
Travel
Other Areas of Life
