BAFA, in brief
- Launched in October 2024, and funded by the National Lottery.
- Three year programme focused on improving how people with criminal records find and use information, advice and support.
- Aims to make Unlock’s services easier to find, easier to understand and easier to use.
- Built around working with people with a lived experience, not just designing services for them.
- Includes a growing network of “led by and for” organisations and a panel of people with lived experience of criminal records, language and literacy challenges, disability and mental health issues.
- Develops new ways to engage with the community we support so our services truly reflect what people need.
The Community Network
The network is made up of grassroots organisations that support people affected by the criminal justice system, including those with criminal records and their families.
Network members work collaboratively in a mutually supportive way, sharing knowledge and expertise to raise the quality and consistency of advice available to people with criminal records. By working as part of the network, we help expand access to accurate information and practical, reliable support for people with criminal records across the country.
Network benefits include free training delivered by Unlock, as well as opportunities for training swaps between member organisations to share specialist knowledge and skills.
There is a strong focus on inclusive practice, shared learning, and developing better, more joined-up support for the people and communities we serve.
Membership is free and designed to strengthen the whole sector, helping organisations build capacity and deliver more effective support locally and nationally.
The Insight Panel
At the heart of BAFA is our Insight Panel, a group of 10 lived-experience experts who bring invaluable insight into the barriers people face when trying to access information and advice.
Panel members all have a criminal record and also navigate additional challenges, such as disability, mental-health issues, or difficulties with language or literacy. Their perspectives help us understand where services fall short and how they can be improved.
We support the panel to work together, build leadership skills, and co-design projects with Unlock’s team. Their involvement ensures our helpline, website, and written resources are shaped by the people they are meant to serve, making them clearer, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone.
More information
If you’d like to learn more about joining the Network or becoming part of the Insight Panel, please get in touch:
Evan Davis, BAFA Community Network Coordinator at BAFA@unlock.org.uk
Debbie Sadler, Head of Delivery & Programmes and BAFA Lead at debbie.sadler@unlock.org.uk
