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Criminal Record Checks (DBS) Explained
View information about the different levels of Criminal Record Checks (DBS Checks), and understand how they may impact you.
Tools & Resources to help you live life to the fullest with a criminal conviction
Use these resources to help navigate some of the challenges you may face with a criminal conviction.
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Disclosure Calculator
Calculate when your conviction will become ‘spent’
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The Helpline
Get direct support and advice from the Unlock Helpline team
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Community
Join the community of people with criminal convictions
Explore the Community
Top Information & Advice articles by topic
View all advice articlesMost Popular
View all the most popular articles by Unlock from the last month
- Community Resolution Order
- Notification requirements
- Travelling to the US – Will I get a visa?
- GDPR and data protection – Guidance for individuals
- Travelling to the UK
- Unlocking Criminal Record Checks – A guide for people with a criminal record
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
Coronavirus specific advice
Get information & advice specific to COVID-19
About Criminal Records
- 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)
- Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN)
- Extended sentences
Employment, Business and Volunteering
Everything you need to know about gaining employment, starting or running your own business, or volunteering.
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Housing, and Living in the UK
The Criminal Justice System
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