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
Unlock joins calls urging ministers to scrap plans to name and shame people on community sentences
Unlock joins justice allies to call for Sentencing Bill rethink Unlock has today joined more than 20 organisations in co-signing…
Unlock joins calls urging ministers to scrap plans to name and shame people on community sentences
Unlock joins justice allies to call for Sentencing Bill rethink Unlock has today joined more than 20 organisations in co-signing…
‘Unlock the Vote’ for people serving sentences in prison
Over 80,000 people in prison in England and Wales are denied the right to vote. This is wrong. Democracy doesn’t…
Unlock comment: Naming and shaming in the Sentencing Bill
MoJ’s AI Action Plan for Justice raises questions for 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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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)
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