Find out the latest updates to hub.unlock.org.uk
As part of our Fair Access to Employment project we’re looking for examples of employers who have carried out inappropriate levels of criminal record checks. We’re gathering this information to feed into our legal strategy which aims to put an end to unlawful criminal record checks. We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who believes […]
Last year the Department for Work and Pensions created some new guidance to help people leaving prison understand how to claim Universal Credit. To look at how effective the guidance has been and to help the DWP improve future products, they’re looking for feedback. We wanted to share this across our networks, so that people […]
Together with the charity Transform Justice, Unlock has launched the #FairCheck movement to help push for a fresh start for the criminal records system. Our outdated criminal records regime is holding hundreds of thousands of people back from participating fully in society. Even a minor criminal history can produce lifelong barriers to employment, volunteering, housing […]
This month we’ve written a further article for InsideTime ‘Through the Gate’ section which provides information on one of the seven criminal record stages – leaving prison. A copy of the article can be found below. Many people who contact our helpline are looking for answers to specific questions. However, some say “I’ve just been […]
Welcome to our monthly summary for December 2019. This provides a summary of: the latest updates to our self-help information site for people with convictions recent posts to our online magazine, theRecord discussions on our online forum other news and developments that might be of interest to people with a criminal record. Have you stumbled […]
Our helpline will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 4pm on Friday 20th December and will reopen at 10am on Thursday 2nd January 2020. Whilst we’re closed, you can drop us an email, text or WhatsApp message or write to us. Our contact details can be found here. We promise to respond to every […]
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) have just launched a satisfaction survey to give their customers the opportunity to provide feedback on their services. Any feedback you give will be anonymised and kept confidential. Our helpline receives contact from many people who have contacted the DBS. Sometimes they’re really pleased with the information they received, […]
Welcome to our monthly summary for November 2019. This provides a summary of: the latest updates to our self-help information site for people with convictions recent posts to our online magazine, theRecord discussions on our online forum other news and developments that might be of interest to people with a criminal record. Have you stumbled […]
Despite the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, some employers try to seek a higher level of criminal record check than they’re entitled to. Sadly, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) don’t have any process in place to flag up potentially ineligible checks; they assume that any application submitted is eligible for the level of check applied […]
Applying to higher education can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time, especially if you’ve been out of education for a while. If you have a criminal record, awaiting the decision after disclosing can create even more anxiety. Unlock would like to hear from you about your experience of applying to higher education. Was it clear […]
Our InformationHub regularly receives over 1.3 million visitors each year and is considered to be the most comprehensive source of self-help information on a range of issues that a criminal record can affect. However, we’re always looking to improve it’s look and content. We’ve put together a survey as we’re keen to get input from […]
Our outdated criminal records regime is holding hundreds of thousands of people back from participating fully in society.
Visit the #FairChecks website where you can write to your local MP, letting them know that a fair criminal records system is important to you.