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
Parliamentary questions highlight the barriers facing many people with criminal records
A worrying suspicion of people with past convictions and an inconsistent approach revealed
Parliamentary questions highlight the barriers facing many people with criminal records
A worrying suspicion of people with past convictions and an inconsistent approach revealed
Proposed changes to social housing allocation may disqualify people with criminal records
Unlock concerned by changes outlined in new government consultation
Creating connections: share your views
Help to shape the support we provide to people with criminal records
Update on Unlock CEO recruitment
A statement from Unlock's board of trustees
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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The Forum
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Jobs & Opportunities
View available jobs & volunteering opportunities
Vacancies
Top personal stories by topic
Most Popular
View all the most popular articles by Unlock from the last month
- Youth rehabilitation order (under 18)
- International Child Protection Certificate (for working overseas)
- Travelling to the US – Will I get a visa?
- Travelling to the UK
- Savings accounts and credit union accounts in prison
- Information: Relationships, children and dealing with social services
- Legal remedies for employment disputes
- Information contained on UK passports
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)
Employment, Business and Volunteering
Everything you need to know about gaining employment, starting or running your own business, or volunteering.
- ‘How long do I have to disclose my criminal record for?’ – A detailed guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Job application tips from Unlock
- Working in the healthcare sector
- Applying for an anonymity order when bringing a claim against an employer
- ‘Do I need to disclose my criminal record?’ tool
Education
Insurance, Banking and Finance
Housing, and Living in the UK
The Criminal Justice System
Travel
Other Areas of Life
