Things to consider when disclosing a sexual offence conviction to a new partner
Finding a new partner can often be difficult, but if you have a criminal record (especially if it’s for a sexual offence) finding someone to share your life with can be even more challenging. A...
View ArticleDon’t assume that a criminal record will automatically stop you from working...
Finding an open-minded employer who is keen to give you a job when you have a criminal record is never easy. For many people, the answer to this is to try and work for an organisation involved in the...
View ArticleNew eligibility tool by the DBS – How you can establish what level of check...
The most nerve-racking part of applying for a job if you have a criminal record can be finding out that an employer will be doing a criminal record check. Sometimes this can be the first mention of...
View ArticleAn overview of the Disclosure and Barring Service
We’ve produced some new information giving an overview of the DBS. This includes what it’s responsibilities are, the options open to you if you wish to appeal something that’s been disclosed on your...
View ArticleDo you know which organisations have access to the Police National Computer...
Most people with a criminal record will be aware of the role that the Police National Computer (PNC) plays in being the source of information that is used to reveal criminal records on official...
View ArticleIs it worth applying to have my court order varied or discharged?
Having a court order can have a devastating impact on your life, not just because of the prohibitions that they impose but because as long as they are in force, your conviction cannot be spent under...
View ArticleWill my criminal record cause me a problem if I want to hire a car?
With the summer fast approaching, you may be thinking about hiring a car to head off on your holidays. But, how likely are you to run into problems if you have a criminal record? We’ve just produced...
View ArticleDo you want to travel to the US? Have a look at our updated information
The most popular section on our information site is our “travelling to the US” one, and our helpline receives many enquiries from people with a criminal record looking to travel to the US. In 2015 over...
View ArticleDoes a member of your family have a criminal record? Want to know how this...
Hot off the back of today’s report by Lord Farmer setting out the importance that maintaining good family relationships plays in relation to the rehabilitation of people in prison, yesterday we...
View ArticleBasic DBS checks are coming soon – find out more here
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is introducing basic criminal record checks for people in England & Wales. This replaces the service previously provided by Disclosure Scotland. This is a...
View ArticleThinking of becoming a taxi driver? Will your criminal record stop you?
Following our advice post last year on applying for a taxi licence, our helpline continues to receive many enquiries relating to this and so we have produced some new information on applying for a taxi...
View ArticleAre cautions just a ‘slap on the wrist’ or are there further implications in...
Cautions are often referred to as a ‘slap on the wrist’ and can appear appealing as it means that you’ll be dealt with quickly at the police station and won’t need to go to court. However, many people...
View ArticleBasic criminal record checks launched today by the DBS
From today, the 17th January 2018, basic criminal record checks can now be obtained directly from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) This is a significant development for both people with...
View ArticleHelp us test some new developments on our information site
In 2016/17, our information site received over 1.3 million visitors and we expect that number to increase again in 2017/18. This site is the country’s most comprehensive source of online self-help...
View ArticleAre you a trustee or senior manager of a charity? Check if your criminal...
From 1st August 2018, changes to the ‘automatic disqualification’ rules mean that there will be more restrictions on those who may run a charity. The guidance that we’ve published today, Leading...
View ArticleNew ‘seven stages of a criminal record’ information launched
We’re constantly looking at ways to improve the site and, based on feedback we’ve had from users of the site, and the calls we get to our helpline, we think that our subject-led approach means that...
View ArticleAn overview of the areas of life that can be affected by a criminal record
As part of our ‘seven stages of a criminal record’ (which we launched recently) we’ve put together an overview of the areas of life that can be affected by a criminal record. Whether you’re looking for...
View ArticleStep-by-step guide to applying for a basic DBS check
From early January 2018, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) started carrying out basic criminal record checks. Following an application made by a member of the Unlock team, we’ve produced a new...
View ArticleExamples of self-disclosure statements – Help us by sending us yours
Whenever you’re asked to disclose your criminal record to either an employer or university then discussing the details with them face-to-face is likely to be the most effective way. However, there are...
View ArticleOverseas organisations that assist people with a criminal record
Receiving a conviction overseas can cause additional complications for individuals be they UK citizens or foreign nationals. Sentences given in one country may be treated differently in another and it...
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