Unlock - for people with convictions

Our helpline provides information and advice to people with convictions.

Its focus is on helping people to overcome the problems and difficulties that are caused by criminal convictions. These are sometimes referred to as the ‘collateral’ consequences of criminal convictions.

Issues we cover

Our helpline provides advice on a range of areas where a criminal record can cause some problems or difficulties. Some of the more common areas that we cover include:

• The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• The way the Disclosure and Barring Service work
• What’s revealed on criminal record checks
• Disclosing to employers
• Applying to colleges and universities
• Disclosing to landlords, letting agents and housing providers
• Buying insurance
• Travelling abroad

Our helpline is…

• Confidential – we don’t share personal details
• Peer-delivered – people with personal experience
• Reliable – we provide up-to-date information
• Honest – we give realistic advice
• Constructive – we try to provide practical solutions
• Free – we don’t charge individuals