Struggles & Stigma
This section contains the stories of people with convictions who are facing difficulties as a result of the impact of their criminal record.
Got a story or experience to share? You can find out more about contributing to theRecord, or email therecord@outlook.com.
A glass ceiling? Good enough for a job, but not for a promotion
by Mary In November 2009 I was dismissed from the post of a Council Principal Librarian. Although I had had an unblemished professional record since 1975, I became the victim of bullying and harassment by a jealous colleague who was acting up in the role of
‘I’m going to move on now’ – A follow up by Obsidian
I last wrote here about 9 months months ago. Since then there has been a change. New amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act are coming into force this month. Since March 10th, I no longer need to tell many potential employers, insurance companies or other interested
Six month sentence or life?
by Lucinda Neall Let me tell you about Luke. Luke has been a volunteer youth leader for the last three years at one of the youth clubs I’m involved with. He’s great with the kids, a reliable member of the team, and probably would have been selected
Scarred for Life: The Retention of Criminal Records and the Lack of Rehabilitation
By Ivan Marazion I write this article as someone who, in my younger days, had issues with addiction. Like many people who fall into addiction, I also fell into petty crime and in my late teens was convicted of theft and burglary. I must take responsibility for
Been held back for 2 years from reaching my dream
For the past 4 years my life has been on pause. I have been heavily relying on the reform to be put into place since 2012 when my goal was to become a Royal Marine Commando in the Royal Navy. I messed my life up by
Can filtering be challenged?
Anonymous In October 2001 I was convicted of “permitting premises to be used for producing cannabis” under Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. At the time, I was living with my partner and children in a relationship where domestic violence was occurring. On one occasion
Sophie’s choice – “My only option is to resign…I am living in constant fear of being found out”
Sophie* In the 1980’s I was convicted of two minor offences and given and Absolute Discharge. Two years later I got a job and started work. I wasn’t asked to disclose if I had convictions, so I kept quiet. I thought that there was no point looking
Avoiding certain jobs
David* As someone with a record, I often feel completely isolated. Going public with my past carries a huge risk – as do enhanced criminal record disclosures. For example, I work in a respected ‘status’ role in higher education within a niche subject with a small circle
Criminal Records Ruin Lives
Obsidian Black It’s now more than thirty-three years since I was released from prison. I thought then, naively, that the worst was over. I had served two years of a three and a half year sentence. But I didn’t realise then that the real punishment hadn’t even
