Monthly summary – November 2016

Welcome to our monthly summary for November 2016.

This provides a summary of:

1. the latest updates to our self-help information site for people with convictions
2. recent posts to our online magazine, theRecord
3. discussions on our online forum
4. other news and developments that might be of interest to people with a criminal record

Have you just stumbled across this? You can receive these updates direct to your inbox every month for free by signing up to our mailing list (make sure you choose to receive ‘news for people with convictions’)

Updates to our information site

Here’s a summary of the updates that we’ve made recently to the theInformationHub. There are links within each update to where you can find more information about the update. There are also links next to many of the updates, which link to threads on our online forum where you can discuss these with other people with convictions. 

Work and volunteering

• Becoming a police officer – We’ve produced some new information on becoming a police officer and how your criminal record may affect your application to join the police.
• Applying for a taxi licence with a criminal record – Based on a Freedom of Information request undertaken by a Welsh newspaper, we’ve set out some new information highlighting the number of taxi licences successfully approved for people with a criminal record.

Insurance

• Commercial insurance – We’re updated our information on commercial insurance to reflect changes in the Insurance Act 2015 which came into force in August 2016.

theRecord posts

Below are links to recent posts to our online magazine, theRecord. These are often linked to from the practical information that we have, to help give some personal experiences.

Success – My prison and volunteering journey – Volunteering at Unlock – ‘Prison isn’t a nice place to be, let’s be honest. I was told so many times that I ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’ due to my diction and mannerisms. I just didn’t fit in, which in turn attracted the wrong kind of attention …..’

Success – John O’Groats to Land’s End – not as far as the journey from armed robber to vicar! – ‘If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from watching Robin Hood on television, it’s that even the most hardened lawbreaker can defy all expectations and turn their lives around …..’

Success – The £6K scratch and using Unlock’s list of brokers to get car insurance – ‘I’m 50 years of age and have been driving for almost 30 years. In 2013, I was convicted of drink driving and banned for 14 months. I paid my fine and served my ban. At the end of the ban I got insurance from GoSkippy for £600  …..’

Discussions on our online forum

Below are links to recent posts to our online forum. If you’d like to join in the discussion but are not currently a forum member, find out how you can join here.

The ‘Google-effect’ – There’s been further discussion this month around the ‘google effect’ with Link sharing a response he’d had to a complaint he’d made to the Information Commissioner’s Office. Have you applied to have links removed from internet searches? If so, share your experiences here.

Insurance – Runner83 has asked for information around the type of insurance that he would need for his web-based business. If you’re able to provide him with any help, please post your comments here.

Travel to the EU – tedstriker has posted some information setting out the EU’s plans to implement a European Travel Information and Authorisation System, similar to the ESTA used by the United States. Read his post and post your views.

Other news and developments

Below are links to other news and developments that might be of interest to people with a criminal record. For more news, check out the news and media section of our main website.

New briefing on the Charities Act 2016 – disqualification of senior managers and trustees with convictions

In late 2017, we expect new disqualification powers to be introduced under the 2016 Charities Act. Together with Clinks, we have jointly published a briefing paper which summarises what disqualification could mean for you.

We are also looking to hear from anybody who may be affected by the changes. Find out how you can get in touch.

The Longford Prize 2016

Unlock has been named joint winner of the Longford Prize 2016 together with The Shakespeare Trilogy. The Award recognises ‘the contribution of an individual, group or organisation working in the area of penal or social reform, showing outstanding qualities of humanity, courage, persistence, originality and commitment to diversity’. Read what the judging panel said about us here.

Criminal record disclosure training

We’ve just announced details of our criminal record training taking place in February 2017. Click here to find out what the training involves and how to book a place.

New Chair of Trustees

Andrew Henley, Lecturer in Criminology at Keele University has been appointed Unlock’s new Chair of Trustees. Find out more about Andrew here.