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
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From Participation to Influence
Unlock Report to the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
From Participation to Influence
Unlock Report to the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
“People should be given a fair chance at a second chance” Paula Harriott on the early release scheme
Our CEO, Paula Harriott, was featured in the BBC's coverage of the early release scheme
Unlock respond to the Ministry of Justice review of the prison system
Submitting evidence to the government's review, Unlock outline the importance of rehabilitation in the prison system
Communications Officer
Help deliver engaging and effective communications that raise awareness of the issues faced by people with criminal records
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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View all the most popular articles by Unlock from the last month
- Travelling to Russia
- Working overseas
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- Information contained on UK passports
- Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN)
- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
- Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO)
- Detention and training order (under 18)
About Criminal Records
- Extended driving tests
- The ‘Right to be Forgotten’ and the role of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- ‘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?
Employment, Business and Volunteering
Everything you need to know about gaining employment, starting or running your own business, or volunteering.
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The Criminal Justice System
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