Advice for people with criminal records

Our Criminal Record Support Services provides a range of advice and guidance for individuals who have a criminal record. Our guidance is designed to support individuals to understand their convictions and what they need to disclose when applying for jobs, travelling, applying for housing, finance, and more. You can explore our range of Criminal Record Support Service guides here, or refer to the information below.

Are you an employer looking for advice? See our advice for employers on how to hire those with a criminal record.

Information about having a criminal record and:

Understanding your criminal record and DBS checks

What is on your criminal record and what will show up on checks? Find out how DBS works and understanding your criminal record.

Applying for jobs and volunteering

Do you need to disclose? Different jobs and tips on how to disclose.

Right to be forgotten online

Frequently asked questions relating to the right to be forgotten.

Applying for university and schools

What you might need to disclose when applying to study.

Travelling with a criminal record

Travelling to and from the UK, travel restrictions, and applying for long term status in the UK.

Applying for housing

What you might need to disclose when applying for a rental property or buying a house.

Applying for insurance

Rules about disclosing when applying for home, vehicle, and life insurance.

Sex offences, SHPO, MAPPA

What happens when you are placed on a register or subject to supervision? Find out what information can be shared with others.