Building a fairer future for people with criminal records
Our mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records in England and Wales to be able to move on positively in their lives.
Find out more about what we doAre you looking for help or advice with a criminal record?
Our information and advice has been created to help you understand your rights, get practical help and move on positively.
Search for what you need or browse our information topics. If you need more help, contact our helpline.
Ear to the ground, voice at the top
At Unlock we believe in giving a voice to people with criminal records, to improve their own lives, as well as improving the system for everyone.
Find out more about how we work
Read Grace's story about her experiences and how Unlock helped her.We help
Unlock exists to make people’s lives with criminal records better.
We provide information & advice, as well as direct one-to-one support to help those who need it when navigating life with a criminal record.
We listen & learn
The best way that we can help people with criminal records, is by listening to people with criminal records.
We’ve built a strong community that not only help each other, but help us at Unlock to be as impactful as we can.
We take action
The best way we can help people is by changing the system that creates prejudice, stigma and discrimination for people with criminal records.
We work every day to influence those in power to do the right thing.
Latest news, advice, stories & more from Unlock
View all news and updatesParliamentary 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
Changing the system for the better
We are working every day so that Unlock doesn’t have to exist. The judicial system should be designed in a way that preserves people’s dignity and respect.
We don’t always need to change the system, sometimes we need to ensure that the current laws and regulations are being enforced and adhered to.
Find out more about all the work we’re doing to change the system.
Current projects
Our latest publications
- April 2024 Unlock evidence to UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
- March 2024 Unlock response to government consultation on social housing allocations
- February 2024 Unlock response to Sentencing Council consultation on draft imposition of community and custodial sentences guidelines
- January 2024 Unlock response to ACMD consultation on drugs prevention interventions