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
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.
3 ways that you can get involved with the Unlock Community
Our inclusive community is made by, and for, people with criminal convictions.
-
The Forum
Discuss topics, answer questions, and more.
Visit the forum -
Submit your story
Write about your experiences and help others in need.
Share your story -
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
- Disclosing unspent convictions to existing insurers
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- Information contained on UK passports
- Overview of the DBS
- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
- Becoming a childminder
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
