Monthly summary – September 2016

Welcome to our monthly summary for September 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. 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

• Applying for work through a recruitment agency – Many individuals with a criminal record will look to use the services of a recruitment agency to get into work. However, some agencies may be tempted to weed out people who disclose a conviction. We’ve produced some new information setting out how and when to disclose details of your criminal record along with details of agencies who specifically help people with convictions.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

• Long list of sentences/disposals and how long it takes for them to become spent under the ROA – We’ve updated this page to make it easier to navigate and included links to other relevant parts of the site.

Travel

• Travelling to Japan – We’ve put together some information which sets out the entry requirements for travelling to Japan and highlights when you may be asked to disclose details of your criminal record.

Insurance

• List of motor insurers for people with non-motoring convictions – We’ve recently discovered that as part of their online service, Admiral now ask a question about criminal, as well as motoring convictions. We’ve updated our list of motor insurers and removed Admiral from it.

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.

Struggles and stigma – ‘Let me put that in writing to you’ – Why you should always confirm your criminal record in writing what you’ve said verbally  – ‘Back in 2011, I was arrested and charged. As a result of this, I lost my job and fell into deep despair. Anxiety issues followed and ultimately depression took hold. I was lucky that I still had my close friends and family for support but I struggled with guilt and couldn’t really cope …..’

Success – Knitting stopped me unravelling! And now it’s a business – ‘I’m 68 years of age and happily married. I’m well educated and achieved academic success. Oh, just one more thing. In March 2012, I was given a four year prison sentence for attempted fraud …..’

Success – For better or worse – my relationship with a sex offender – ‘Two years ago my life changed when I met a new man. He was kind, gentle, easy to talk to and made me laugh. The day after out first ‘date’ I received a text message from him that read “I need to tell you something but it needs to be in person …..’

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.

Unlock launches its website to help employers recruit people with convictions

Our new website, Recruit, was launched this month. The new site is targeted at employers and aims to encourage and support them to recruit people with criminal records. Read our full press release.