Registered number: 03791535
Charity number: 1079046
Unlock, for people with criminal records
formerly known as Unlock, National Association of Ex-offenders
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Unaudited
Trustees. Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unlock. for people with criminal records
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity. its Trustees and Athiisers
Trustees. Report
Trustees, Responsibilities Statement
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
2-19
20
21
22
Balance Sheet
23
Notes to the Financial Ststements
24-36

Unlock. for people with criminal records
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity. its Trustees and Advisers
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Trustees
Faye Goldman
Trevor Dighton (appointed 17 July 2024)
Carolyn Braby (appointed 17 July 2024)
Thomas Wheatley
Hamis MacLellan
Steven Lorber
Mandeep Mahil (resigned 16 October 2024)
Leigh Hardy
Mark Day (resigned 14 May 2024)
Emma Wilson (resigned 17 June 2024)
Tajah Stevens (appointed 16 October 2024)
Peter Atherton {appointed 16 October 2024, resigned 24 September 2025}
Belinda Winder (appointed 16 October 2024)
Rich Mcstraw (appointed 16 October 20241
Hamiohinder Sanghera (appointed 16 October 2024)
Fionnuala Ratdiffe (appointed 16 October 2024)
Company registered
number
03791535
Charity registered
number
1079046
Registered office
Maidstone Community Support Centre
3948 Marsham Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1HH
Accountants
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants
37 St Margaret's Street
Canterbury
Kent
CT12TU
Independent Examiner
Samantha Rouse FCCA DChA
Kreston Reeves LLP
37 St Margarets Street
Canterbury
Kent
CT12TU
Page 1

Governance and management
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a
company, limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Injuly 2025, the Trustees approved a special resolution to adopt new Articles of
Association and to change the charitys name from 'Unlock- National Association of Ex-
offenders, to 'Unlock- for people with criminal records,. The change better reflects the
people we sUPPOrt and our core mission. It acknowledges that a criminal record can
affect anyone and reinforces our commitment to supporting all individuals Wlth
criminal records recognising that is not the only thing that defines them.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
During the year, a new Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer were appointed. Further Trustee
vacancies arose as two Trustees completed their terms. and another stepped down after
becoming chair of the Board of Trustees at a different charity- We are grateful to Emma Wilson,
Mark Day and Mandy Mahil for their valuable contributions and commitment to Unlock.
In response to the vacancies, a targeted recruitment programme was launched. IVS aims were
to fill the immediate vacancies, strengthen succession planning and broaden the Board's
experience, expertise and representation. This proactive approach was designed to support
continuity and stability as more trustees will complete their terms within the next two years.
All new appointments, including the Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer, followed an open
recruitment process. The opportunities were advertised across relevant forums to attract a
diverse and qualified pool of candidates. In toLIl eight new Trustees were appointed during the
year.
A second Vice-chair, Peter Atherton. was elected to fill the vacancy created by Emma Wilson's
departure.
Trustee induction and training
To ensure our new Trustees were well prepared for. and supported in, their roles we reviewed
our trustee induction programme.
The updated programme included structured sessions with the senior leadership team and
Chair. These sessions provided an overview of UnlOc￿S work, strategic priorities, and
operational approach. Opportunities to understand our risk management and charity
governance processes were included and essential reading assigned. This included guidance
from the Charity Commission and Companies House as well as key organisational documents.
Organisational structure
Unlock is a charitable company governed by a Board of Trustees with day-to-day operations
delegated to the Chief Executive.
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Risk management
The Trustee Board has carried out a review of the major risks facing the charity. A risk register
is in place which prioritises these risks and Identifies mitigating factors, controls and actions in
relation to each. Trustees follow a comprehensive monitoring and review process to re-assess
identified risks regularly, capture new risks that may arise and ensure that systems are in
place to manage and mitigate these risks. The full risk register is reviewed by the Board of
Trustees on an annual basis. During the year. the risk management process has also been
reviewed and updated bythe Trustees.
Governance
Trustees attend scheduled board meetings four times a year. In 2024-25 the Trustee
attendance rate was 86%. One additional board meeting was held to discuss the annual plan
and budget for 2024-25. Trustees are encouraged to attend training events and seminars to
develop their roles and increase their contribution to the charity's governance. Trustees also
undertake ad-hoc tasks as and when required and task-specific working groups are formed as
needed and meet separately.
Unlock operates within an equal opportunities framework that is inclusive of people with
criminal records and seeks to attract trustees with a wide range of backgrounds and
experience. Fifty-six per cent of our Trustees and staff have a criminal record. A working group
which involves staff and trustees oversees and drives forward Unlock's equity, equality,
diversity and inclusion agenda in line with our strategic priorities.
To support organisational development and enhance strategic oversight, additional
sub-committees were established during the year all with Terms of Reference approved by the
Board of Trustees. These include the People Sub-committee, the Development and Funding
Sub-committee, and the Policy, Advocacy and Research Sub-committee. As with our
established EEDI (Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) sub-committee, these do not hold
decision-making powers. However, they offer valuable forums for trustees and the senior
leadership team. They allow key issues to be explored in greater depth and provide Space to
share expertise and help shape the organisation's direction.
Safeguarding
Unlock has a robust safeguarding policy and other related policies including whistleblowing
with named lead trustees for both. In this reporting period. no safeguarding incidents were
identified as relevant for reporting to the Charity Commission via a serious incident report. No
whistleblowing concerns were raised.
Management
Management of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive who reports directly to the Chair
of Trustees. A framework of financial delegation is set out in finance policies and procedures.
Systems for line management, appraisal. staff development and supervision are in place,
together with grievance and complaints procedures.
Page 3

Remuneration policy
The Board of Trustees condurt an annual review of staff salaries. As part of this process, the
Chief Executive submits recommendations for salary adjustments, supported by a clear
rationale. The Board carefully considers these proposals in the context of the organi5ation's
strategic priorities, financial position and benchmarking data from both the sertor and the
broader employment and economic landscape before approving any increases.
Public Benefit
Unlock assists people with criminal records to live positive lives. move on from their past and
contribute fully to society. In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have
given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to
public benefit, including the guidance'Public benefit.'runninga charity (PB2). Our activities and
beneficiaries are described below and in the'About Us. section of our website-
www.unlock.org.uk.
Compliance with prevailing laws and regulations
The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees, report and a Directors, report under
company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the
charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements. the requirements of the
charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of
Recommended Practice ISORPI applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance
with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FR5102)
(effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives
As stated in our governing document. Unlocvs charitable objectives are:
To advance education andpromote the rehabilitation andreintegration ofpeople who hsve
receiveda criminal record(including those who have suffereda legal restriction on their libety
at anypenal establishmentas apunishmentimposed bya court oflaw, receiveda non-
custodiJlsenrence. fine orany other court or other recorded disposal such as a police caufionj.
in particular but not exclusively by the provision ofinformation. advice, advoc3cy3nd training
and the undertaking ofresearch andpolicy work. with the object ofin7proving the conditions of
life of the aforementionedpersons.-
Purpose
Unlock is a national independent advocacy charity that supports, speaks up and campaigns for
people facing stigma. prejudice and discrimination because of their criminal record. We believe
that everyone should be able to move on from their past and contribute fully to society. We
provide information, give advice and take on cases to help people overcome the obstacles they
are facing because of their criminal record. Many people feel like they are serving a second
sentence of stigma and discrimination. To challenge this injustice we collect evidence, speak out
and campaign for change so that policies. practices and attitudes allow people the opportunity
to reach their full potential.
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Vision
Our vision is of a fair and inclusive society where people with criminal records are free from
stigma, prejudice and discrimination.
Mission
Our mission is to advocate for people with criminal records so they can move on positively in
their lives. Specifically, we:
Support people with criminal records to navigate their way through challenges.
Campaign for changes to legislation. policies and practices of government, employers
and others.
Research, present evidence and raise awareness of the systemic iSSLAes faced by people
with criminal records.
The issues faced by people with criminal records
Prevailing attitudes and language such as'offenders,. 'ex-offenders' and 'prisoners', fail to
acknowledge the substantial number (over 12.5 million people) and wide diversity of people in
this country, from all walk5 of life, who have a criminal record. Most people are convicted on
only one occasion, 9096 do not receive a prison sentence and. of those who do go to prison, 47%
have sentences of less than six months and 71 % have committed a non-violent offence.
The Long Shadow of a criminal record
The current criminal record system requires disclosure of cautions and convictions beyond the
completion of any sentences - sometimes for the rest of someone's life. There 15 a popular
emphasis on an individLJal's responsibility to rehabilitate themselves following a conviction but,
regardless of how much effort a person makes, there are many significant barriers to getting
jobs and promotions, accessing education, trainin& housin& financial services, travel abroad,
volunteering and in many other areas of everyday life. The situation is further complicated by
issues of intersectionality and the complex relationship beMeen disadvantage, discrimination
and criminal records that entrenches social and economic inequality.
Our approach
Independent
We believe that it is vital that we hold governmenL agencies and others to account. We also
believe it is important that people with criminal records trust us and that we represent them
with integrity and courage. While we always aim to work constructively with government and
organisational partners wherever possible. we are clear that we may take a critical stance on
any policies and practices that unfairly restrict opportunities for people with criminal records.
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We are committed to speaking truth to power. As a result, the people for whom we exist, and
our supporters and funders can be sure that our sole motivation is to improve the life chances
of people with criminal records. Our power comes from our knowledge of whays happening to
people with criminal records, publishing reports, persuading the unwilling, encouraging good
practices and exposing those practices which are unacceptable. We are politically independent-
but we are not neutral about our agenda of change to the criminal record system.
Involve and include people with criminal records
We believe that personal lived experience of having a criminal record is intrinsically valuable.
Recruiting people with criminal records at all levels including within our Board means that
people with lived experience make up over 56% of the team. This visibility of lived experience in
Unlock creates trust with our beneficiaries and creates a diversity of thoLJght and leadership in
our broader work. In our direct advice work with beneficiaries, peer experience offers a bridge
of understandin& awareness and empathy to people who sometimes find it hard to talk about
the issues they face.
We have developed Unlock Insight panels made up of people with criminal records. These
panels support our staff recruitment process and our Better Advice for All Network. Over the
past year, we have also created several lived experience advisory and insight panels to help
shape our policy and research projects.
We use our newsletter to share more opportunities to give our beneficiaries the opportunity to
get involved in policy, campaigns, and research. Our goal is for Unlock to become a leading
voice in the lived experience movement. We want to help people with criminal records access a
wide range of opportunities to improve their experiences.
Ear to the ground. voice at the top
Every day we listen and engage with around 40 people who face difficulties because of their
criminal record. They get in touch with us In numerous ways, from ringing our helpline to
WhatsApp messaging us. to email and in person or virtual meetings. Through our direct
engagement and our outreach as part of our Better Advice for All network, we listen to a steady
flow of issues and ideas. Our team has a proven track record of identifying issues, finding
solutions and planning work to create much needed change. We seek to influence policy and
support systemic change, continually punching above our weight to achieve ambitious and
significant outcomes with employers, service providers, advice agencies and government. Too
often, policies and systems divide and disempower people, and politicians and organisations
hoard rather than share power. Through our engagement activities and our lived experience
leadership expertise, we build confidence and capacity for individuals to take more power and
to influence.
Page 6

Think big. Art big. Recognise our limitations.
We are a small charity with big ambitions. We constantly adapt and refine our work so that we
better meet the needs of the people for whom we exist. To do this, we need to make tough
choices and recognise that we cannot achieve everything. Longer term, it is important that we
can ensure that the organisation's core work continues. which means working efficiently and
effectively and focusing on our financial and organisational health to ensure our long-term
strength.
Work in partnership
We believe in the power of collaboration and build strategic partnerships with like-minded
organisations to maximise our impact. We create platforms and build partnerships in the
sector. such as with our Fairchecks campaign partnership with Transformjustice. We also
recognise the importance of working with people and organisations that are different to Unlock
to test and challenge our own assumptions and to create opportunities to influence the way in
which they think and behave.
Activities and impact 2024-25
Organisational development
Strategy and planning
In April 2021 we launched our strategic plan ' Tackling Injustice, Changing Lives An annual
organisational workplan allows us to track progress towards the key priorities included in the
strategic plan, ensuring implementation is in line with the strategy. The Board receives a
quarterly update report. This shares activities. opportunities, challenges and outcomes against
both the workplan and Unlock's strategic priorities.
Our three overarching priorities
People should have knowledge. skills. confidence and support to overcome the
disadvantages related to their criminal record. We will reach more people by helping them
to self-serve digitally, and we will strengthen our capacity to support people more.
Together. this will enable people with criminal records to be aware of their rights, know
where to turn for advice. and be able to challenge the stigma and discrimination they are
facing.
2. People with criminal records should be free from stigma, prejudice and discrimination as a
result of government, employers and others having policies, practices and attitudes that
support their fair treatment. We will be a powerful voice in pushing for change to legislation,
policies, and practices. using strategic litigation to bring about change. and increasing the
research and evidence base to support us to achieve change at a policy and systemic level.
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3. We will maintain good governance and develop Unlock's sustainability and resilience. We
will translate our priorities into fully funded and resourced delivery, develop unrestricted
funding streams including support from donors and philanthropists, and by growing earned
income, continue to measure ourselves against the Charity Governance Code and ensure
that we maintain a focus on increasing diversity and inclusion, with the aim of being
representative of all sections of society.
The appointment of Paula Harriott as CEO in August 2024 created an opportunity to reflert on
our current strategy and enhance it with an interim vision prior to the development of our new
strategy in 2026. The vision introduces a theme- The Long Shadow of the Criminal Record,.
Under this umbrella we bring together our focus on the full range of issues that affect the
individual with a criminal record:
access to employment
access to housing
access to education
financial well-being
mental and physical wellbeing
restoring family and interpersonal relationships
We do this with a coherent message that a criminal record has a long-lasting impart and
stretches far into an individual's future. This new vision for the future commits Unlock to taking
its place as a prominent lived experience led organisation. It also honours Unlock's roots as an
organisation founded by people with lived experience. Finally, the theme, 'The Longshadowof
the Crii771na/ Record: enables us to reinforce initiatives in the sertor that build the capacity of
people with criminal records, helping them to engage in and lead debate, policy and practice to
dismantle the challenges that lie in their path.
Employees and volunteers
The beginning of the year saw us continue with joint interim CEOS Justina Forristall andjo
Easton providing stability during a transitional period. We were delighted to later appoint Paula
Harriott as our permanent CEO in August 2024. Paula brings a wealth of lived experience.
strong sector connections. and is widely respected across the criminal justice landscape. These
qualities that significantly strengthen Unlock's leadership and influence.
Alongside this long-term positive development, short-term funding challenges led to a
restructure of our policy funrtion. As a resulL the Director of Policy and Advocacy role and one
Policy Officer role were made redundant. Further changes followed, with the remaining Policy
Officer and our Communications Manager both moving on to new opportunities. We are
sincerely grateful to all of our former colleagues for their dedication and contributions to
Unlock's mission.
Page 8

In response, and with careful consideration of our financial position, we created a new
combined Policy and Communications role to ensure continuity in key areas of work. Thanks to
the strength. versatility and expertise of the remaining team. we were able to continue
delivering core policy work while actively seeking funding to rebuild the poliry function.
Volunteers with lived experience continue to be at the heart of our helpline, offering invaluable
insight and support to those who reach out to us. We are truly grateful for the time, compassion
and dedication they bring to Unlock and the people we serve.
This year we were pleased to welcome seven new volunteers. Including three who joined us
through Release on Temporary Licence from prison. Each has shared their unique perspective
and added strength to our work.
While we said goodbye to six volunteers during the year. we also celebrated their next Steps -
four have moved into paid employment and are pursuing new paths in different sectors.
Their contributions have left a lasting impact, and we thank them sincerely for all they have
given to Unlock.
Advice, information and support
The Helpline
Unlock's helpline provides confidential. accurate, trustworthy and non-judgmental information,
advice and support to anyone with a criminal record. We offer a range of communication
channels that people can use to get advice and support including the telephone, WhatsApp,
email, or through our online resources. The helpline is run by trained staff and volunteers who
have lived experience of a criminal record. Their personal journeys mean they truly understand
what those using the helpline are going through and can offer empathetic, meaningful sUPPOrt.
This year, we launched a new one-to-one support programme, Support Plus, designed to assist
individuals facing challenges with disclosure while seeking employment. The structured, three-
stage programme offers tailored guidance to help people navigate the disclosure process with
confidence.
To ensure our helpline resources were used effectively and aligned with the needs of our service
users, we conducted a comprehensive review of helpline demand. We also enhanced our data
collection processes to gain deeper insights into the demographics of those accessing our
services.
2023-24
2024-25
Direct Support
Helpline contacts
Casework (Completed)
Self-help Support
Visits to information/advice pages of website
Disclosure calculator
9.942
10,049
1,727.877
49,594
1,294,362
49,285
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Whilst visitor numbers to the website shows a fall of 25%, we believe this drop is primarily due to
the significant advances in Ljser tracking introduced through Google Analytics 4 IGA4). The
introduction of GA4 was designed to provide a more accurate reflection of user engagement
allowing organisations to better understand how visitors navigate our website. However, since
its introduction many organisations have reported a reduction in the number of users being
counted. This is due to several factors including changes in the way dats is collected, stricter
privacy controls and changes to Googles search algorithms.
Helpline impart
We empower everyone who reaches out to our helpline with clear, helpful information that can
make a real difference in their lives. Whether it is finding a job, exploring education and training
opportunities, or planning to travel abroad. we aim to help people better understand and
improve their individual circumstances.
Many of those we support tell us they feel more confident facing the challenges of living with a
criminal record. They feel less alone, knowing they are part of a community of people who share
the same hope of moving forward. With our support. they often feel more ready to reconnect
with society and take posltive steps toward a brighter future.
To demonstrate the impact of our work we collect a mixture of quantitative and qualitative data.
Identifying recurring and new issues helps us build an evidence base which underpins our work,
advocating for changes to policy, practice and legislation.
Examples of helpline feedback
'Thankyou for being there to listen to me when I neededyou and thankyou forgoing
out ofyour way to provide such detailedadwce andinstructions for me to follow.-
'Thankyou to everybody Ispoke to at Unlock. With the amazing advice andsUPPOrtyou
gave me, it enabledme to successfullyBpp/y to have my 77-ye3r-oldrestraining order
revoked, meaningmy conviction is finallyspent.-
Volunteering at Unlock
Since 2009, Unlock's volunteering Scheme has offered meaningful opportunitie5 for people with
criminal records. Volunteering provides people with the chance to support others, build self-
confidence and develop valuable skills and experience that enhance employability. The
programme is open to individuals living in the community as well as those on temporary day
release from prison.
This year we spent time reviewing and updating our volunteer induction and training
programme, incorporating valuable feedback from previous volunteers. All helpline volunteers
undergo a comprehensive training programme. which includes our CIPD accredited 'Advising
with Conviction'workshop, along with modules on safeguarding and confidentiality. Volunteers
also have the opportunity to work toward a Level 2 NVQ in Information, Advice and Guidance.
Page 10

Over the past year, our volunteer advisors have contributed an impressive 1,801 hours and
handled 16% of all helpline enquiries. Our home-based volunteers have assisted with research,
content writing and reviewing Information before publication on our website. We are grateful
for their dedication and recognise that without their support, we could not reach as many
people as we do each year.
Individual case work
From time to time, our helpline team may take on a case directly to provide additional support
to an individual. This typically happens when doing so could lead to a positive outcome for the
person. It may also occur when the case aligns with our current policy work. In those instances.
the case work helps to strengthen our evidence base and potentially benefit a wider group of
people.
Examples of case work
During the year. we worked with two people to challenge decisions made by the
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority ICICA). These were based on CICA'S
exclusionary rule preventing people with unspent convictions from accessing
compensation if they are a victim of crime. Unlock has campaigned for many years to
have this exclusionary rule removed and both cases demonstrated how
disproportionate the rule is, failing to tske account of whether the offence an individual
committed is related to that which they are claiming compensation for.
JS v local authority.. Unlock assistedjs to appeal the decision made by a local authority
not to be added to their housing list due to a refusal to disclose a spent conviction.
As of March 2025, the helpline team had 13 ongoing cases.
Support for people in prison
Our helpline frequently receives letters and calls from people in prison, often about a variety of
issues, most commonly, resettlement. Unlocys helpline number is included on the prison's pre-
approved contact list, allowing individuals in prison to call us directly for information and advice
without needing prior permission.
Throughout the year, we have delivered our Movingon with Convictiorf workshops in prisons
across England including at HMP Oakwood and HMP Featherstone Icategory C prisons in
Staffordshirel and HMP Bron2efield (a women's prison in Surreyl. We have attended job
resettlement fairs at HMP Elmley (a category BIC prison in Kent) and HMP Lewes (a category B
prison in East Sussex) preparing men for interview and disclosing their convictions to
employers. We have continued to support the Connect Resettlement Team at HMP Rye Hill {a
category B prison in Warwickshire exclusively housing individuals convicted of sexual offencesl
by developing resources for prison leavers.
Page11

Supporting people digitally
With around 12.5 million people in the UK having a criminal record. our website serves as a vital
source of information and support. We offer guidance on a wide range of issues, including
employment, insurance, travel. education. housing. relationships, finance and disclosure. Our
online resources are designed to help individuals access the information they need, whenever
and however it suits them.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery, we launched our'BetterAdvice forA//'project in
October 2024. The project aims to make our online information and advice more accessible to
individuals who have diffficulty with literacy or for whom English is not their first language.
As part of this initiative, we began recruiting members for our Insight Panel. This panel will
review how written information is presented on our website and provide suggestions to
improve its accessibility and inclusivity.
Work started on a new'DBS Checkerf online tool which will help individuals, organisations and
employers understand the corrert level of Disclosure and Barring Service {DBSI check which can
be applied for. The tool will go live in 2025126.
Training- supporting organisations and practitioners
Unlock ran 17 training workshopslwebinars with a total of 172 attendees. In-house training
sessions were delivered to organisations such as London School of Economics, Lincolnshire
Action Trust, Seven Trent, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and Veolia. During the year, a
new online self-directed training course was developed for organisations and practitioners who
support people with criminal records into employment, volunteering or education. With this
new resource added to our training offer, our aim is to increase Unlock's earned income in
2025126.
Policy and advocacy
Parliamentary work
This year has seen a General Election and change of government which has impacted on our
policy work. Some items on which we were working with parliamentarians and civil service
officials were disrupted by the change of government. This change also meant that we were
faced with the challenge of rapidly building new relationships with a fresh cohort of
parliamentarians and advisors. Once the new members of parliament were in place and new
ministers appointed, all current MPS were contacted with an introduction to Unlock. Particular
efforts were made to contact relevant ministers, receiving replies from Lord James Timpson
(Prisons and Probation Minister in the Ministry of Justice) and Jess Phillips (Safeguarding
Minister at the Home Office). After this initial contact we were invited to introductory ministerial
stakeholder roundtables with Minister Timpson.
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We were invited to speak at the Modernising Employment APPG at a session on 'hiring people
with convictions,. We submitted written evidence to a variety of open government consultations
such as the Employment Rights Bill, the Crime and Policing Bill 2025 and the Independent
Sentencing Review. We also submitted consultation responses to the Department for Work and
Pensions {DWPI and Natcen research on What works, for people with criminal records seeking
employment.
October 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 {ROA).
The digitisation of information and the explosion of the internet since then means individuals,
criminal records can be accessed in ways the ROA never intended. Using the anniversary as a
way of starting further discussion. Unlock published a briefing calling on the government to
review and update the ROA to ensure it is still as fair and effective as it was 50 years ago.
We continued to hold regular meetings Wlth the policy team at the Disclosure and Barring
Service (DBSI to discuss demographic data collection. ineligible checks, barring and the DBS
Review. These meetings provide us with the opportunity to share concerns raised by individuals
contacting our helpline and to be part of any consultation5.
Throughout the year, we focused on the Fairchecks campaign in partnership with Transform
Justice. A central aim of the campaign is to push for a new approach to childhood offences. To
support this, we developed a dedicated briefing on childhood offences and disclosure.
Campaign activities included meetings with Home Office officials, proposing an amendment to
the Police and Crime Bill. and hosting a parliamentary briefing event.
We also convened a policy roundtable with key stakeholders to raise awareness and drive
action. Following the roundtable, we continued engagement with officials from the Offfice of the
Children's Commissioner and the Home Office.
We continued to raise awareness of how employers use internet searches to find details of an
applicant's criminal record which they would not be entitled to legally. Unlock's findings
highlighted that individuals with non-anglicised names were likely to be most disproportionately
affected.
During the year we have continued our work on pressing for improved access to banking and
financial products for people with criminal records.
We strengthened our collaborative work across the sector this year. Wejoined the
Homelessness Alliance, contributing to shared efforts and understanding around
homelessness. We also worked with other charity CEOS on an open letter advocating for the
establishment of a Women'sjustice Board.
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To further our commitment to evidence-based reform, we became a member of the Criminal
Record Research and Reform Nemork. This network brings together academics and
practitioners focused on improving understanding and policy around criminal records.
Fair Access to Employment
During the year, we supported the launch of the Fair Chance Business Alliance helping them to
build their charter mark standards.
We continued to collaborate with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice IRBIJ}, attending
their Workforce and Justice Summit and a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Lord Hastings of
Scarisbrick. A consultancy service for employers was launched at a roundtable event in
partnership with the RBIJ. In preparation for the start of the consultancy work, we reviewed and
updated our Recruit website to align with the offer. We also co-produced a new resource with
the Institute of Employability Professionals on best practice supporting people with criminal
records into employment.
Fair Acce55 to Study
We continued our work in supporting access to education for those with criminal records with
bespoke advice and consultancy to multiple academic institutions. In collaboration with
colleagues from Liverpooljohn Moores and Leeds Trinity Universities, we submitted a report to
the Office for Students advocating for a change to their risk register (which identifies target
groups for access to education) which made the case for including applicants with criminal
records.
Unlock publications
We published nine comment, briefings and consultation responses (which can be found on our
news page andlor our publications pagel.
April 2024: Unlock evidence to UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
May 2024: Crossovers for people with criminal records who are also victims of crime
May 2024: Young Adults Panel: What we learned
May 2024.. Unlock response to DfE call for evidence concerning safeguarding children in
schools and colleges
July 2024- Unlock submission to the Times Crime and Justice Commission
September 2024: Short and suspended sentences: the criminal record implications
October 2024: Employment Rights Bill briefing
November 2024.. Unlock briefing on the Employment Rights Bill - Committee Stage
February 2025: Briefing on the complexity of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act11974)
Page 14

Equality, equity, diversity and inclusion
In the past year Unlock has committed to a continued focus on our EEDI strategy, which runs
from 2023-26 and guides all aspects of our work. Read the full strategy here: Unlock's EEDI
strate
2023-26. Progress against the strategy and accompanying action plan are overseen by
the EEDI sub-committee formed of Trustees and the CEO.
A key achievement this year was securing funding from the National Lottery Community Fund
for our 'Better Advice for All, project. This initiative aims to build a network of equity-led
community organisations, ensuring they have access to vital knowledge about criminal record
disclosure and can actively contribute to our ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to
support and advice.
Communication and engagement
Press and media
Unlock increased its media presence this year. using national and regional outlets to raise
awareness of criminal records issues and advocate for reform. One of our focuses was to
amplify lived experience, ensuring the voices of people afferted by the criminal justice system
were central to coverage. Our Chief Executive, Paula Harriott, has been frequently invited to
speak on national radio and television about early release. criminal records and rehabilitation.
This has further helped to position Unlock as a trusted, informed commentator on justice
reform.
High-profile media opportunities (including BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour. BBC 5 Live, and The
Telegraph) were used strategically to reinforce campaign messaging and build long-term
relationships with journalists.
Social media
Linkedln remained our strongest platform. strengthening engagement with employers, job
seekers, academics, allies and justice professionals. We surpassed 4.700 followers, with
engagement rates consistently above 6%. peaking at over 8% in some quarters.
High-performing posts included our Better Advice for All project and interviews with sector
leaders. Twitterlx saw more modest engagement. while Facebook passed 1,000 followers but
engagement was affected by algorithm changes. A renewed focus on personal stories and
campaign-led content Is planned for the coming year. Collaboration with allies such as
Transformjustice helped amplify impact across channels.
Newsletters and stakeholder engagement
Our newsletter audience grew steadily to 8,162 subscribers by the end of March 2025, with
average open rates, throughout the year. of 32.2%. Topic-specific mailings. such as our
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act briefing. achieved significantly higher engagement than the
general newsletter. A tailored welcome journey now connects new subscribers to our Fairchecks
campaign and 'Pay/rFonvard' donation ask.
Page15

Campaign communications and digital strategy
This year, we sought to take a coordinated approach to digital communications, ensuring that
campaigns were supported by integrated activity across email, website content and social media.
We used targeted e-bulletins, refreshed resources such as the"Is it spent?, tool.
Plans for 2025-26
Our priorities for the year ahead are as follows:
Continue our focus on making impact in areas of concern for people with criminal
records. under the umbrella of the Long Shadow of the Criminal Record.
Continue Unlock's advice and information service including our helpline.
Expand our community of practice through extending membership of our Better Advice
for All nemork.
Press for reform of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Art. including maintaining pressure
for reform of law and practice in the field of childhood records and protection from
internet exposure.
Work with employers and educational institutions to ensure access and fair treatment
in work and education and travel opportunities. including a focus on vetting and
exclusion barriers.
Increase democratic participation of people in prison and in community-
Focus on challenging discriminatory and stigmatising narratives about people with
criminal records.
Continue work on dismantling financial barriers such as access to bank accounts and
the long-term consequences of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Continue our Fairchecks campaign in partnership with Transform Justice.
Curate and develop opportunities for people with criminal records to take part in
research. policy and practice.
Expand our newsletter reach to increase the number of subscribers.
Ensure Unloc￿5 financial health through diversification of funding streams and increase
the commercialisation of our funding offers. including through the launch of Unlock
Talent and Unlock DBS.
Ensure organi5ational wellbeing and resilience.
Financi31 review
2024-25 proved to be a challenging year due to difficulties raising funds to support our policy
work after a period of organi5ational transltion and wider economic challenges for all charities.
This situation led to an organisational restructure and an even sharper focus on cost
management. These measures were effective and helped to reduce the projected budget deficit
considerably.
Page 16

Towards the end of the year, new funding opportunities emerged through Paula Harriotvs
expertise in Public Participation and Involvement in Engagement {PPIE), creating a new and
valuable income stream. The grant funding picture also improved in the latter part of the year,
with several high-value opportunities becoming available. further strengthening our financial
outlook.
The statement of Financial Activities is shown on page 22. The deficit for the year was £107,436
and net assets amounted to £224,152
Reserves policy
As a consequence of the financial challenges faced at the beginning of the year, the Board
adopted a revised approach to the reseNes policy. Recognising the need for greater flexibility,
the previous approach to maintain six to nine months of unrestricted reserves was adjusted.
This redefined the appropriate level of unrestricted as the amount required to cover closure
liabilities plus two months of operating costs. This more pragmatic and risk-aware framework
directly informed the decisions made during the organisational restructure, ensuring that
financial sustainability remained a priority while adapting to a changing funding landscape.
At the end of the financial year, unrestricted funds stood at £182.237 {2023-24.' £299,211), while
restricted funds totalled £41,915 (2023-24- £32,377). This resulted in an unrestricted reserves
position that was slightly above the minimum level of £178,757 required.
Designated funding
There was no designated funding in 2024-25.
Future funding
Despite these funding challenges, the emergence of new opportunities and the development of
a strong funding pipeline laid the foundation for a more positive year-end and a return to
financial stability.
Looking ahead, we are focused on increasing earned income through our Unlock
Talent programme. This initiative brings together our existing training and consultancy services,
creating a solid platform for future growth. As part of this expansion, we plan to enhance our
training offer and launch Unlock DBS. With expert-led, reliable processin& Unlock DBS will
ensure every disclosure and barring check is appropriate and fully compliant. providing
certainty for organisations and individuals alike.
We are also excited to introduce Unlock Experts, a new initiative rooted in lived experience
leadership. Building on our work in patient and public involvement and engagement. Unlock
Experts will support other organisations in developing meaningful. authentic, and inclusive lived
experience programmes. This marks a significant step in deepening our impac¢ driving sector-
wide change and creating new income opportunities.
Page 17

Options for people to donate to us increased during the year with the introduction of 'Pay it
Forward,. a prompt on our website inviting visitors to donate £1 after using our advice pages. We
plan to add to the donate options by introducing text giving, making it even easier for people to
support our work.
Alongside our efforts to diversify income and increase the options to donate, we are
strengthening relationships with both existing and new funders to support long-term
sustainability- To maximise every opportunity. we have increased our fundraising capacity and
adopted a more collaborative approach to funding applications and research. This ensures each
proposal is high-quality, mission-aligned and resonates with the values of our funders.
Fundraising report
Unlock is committed to responsible fundraising and follows all the relevant regulations. We are
registered with the Fundraising Regulator and follow the Fundraising Promise and the Code of
Fundraising Practice. This report meets the requirements set out in the Charities Act 2016. We
do not use agencies although during the year. we contracted with Mo fundraising consultants
for funder prospecting and research and to assist in the development of a small number of
applications.
Our website clearly explains how to make a complaint. We received no complaints during the
2024-25 financial year.
Principal funding sources
Our total income for the year was £327.170. which was received from the following sources:
2024-25
2023124
Grants from trusts and foundations
242,129 {74%1
23,41517%)
56,639 (17%)
4,791 11%)
o (0%)
196 {0%}
343,532182%)
22,81715%)
43,773 (11 %)
5,181 11%)
1,54610%)
o (0%)
Donations
Earned income
Investment
Legacies
Other
We are grateful to the following grant-giving funders for the generous support throughout the
year. Their contributions have made a real difference to our work and the people we support.
1772 The Debtorfs Relief Funds Charity, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, AB Charitable Trust, CB
and HH Taylor Charitable Trust Chapman Charitable Trust, The Cobtree Charity Trust,
Colyer Ferguson Charitable Trust. Garfield Weston.J Leon Philanthropy,JG Hogg Charitable Trust.
Kent Community Foundation. Lord Barnbys Foundation Trust. The National Lottery Community
Fund, The Noel Buxton Trust, The Oakdale Trust, Persula Foundation, The society Foundation,
The Lankelly Chase Foundation, The Law Society. The Lawson Trus¢ The Lennox Hannay
Charitable Trust, WF Southall Trust.
Page 18

Our thanks also to the many individual donors who kindly supported our work.
Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on [add date] and signed on its behalf by-
Faye Goldman, Chair of Trustees
15 October 2025
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ststement of Trustees. responsibilities
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for
preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United
Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AC￿pted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the
Trustees must not approve the financial ststements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income
and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.,
obsetve the methods and pnnciples of the Charities SORP (FRS 102)..
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements-
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hen￿ for taking reasonable steps for the prevention
and detection of fraud and other irregularib'es.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by..
Faye Goldman
Chair of Trustees
Date.. 15 October 2025
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Unlock. for people with criminal records
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Independent Examiner's Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Unlock, for people with criminal records ('the
Charity.)
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March
2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the
preparation of the accounts in accordance wth the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act.).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006
Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts
carried out under section 145 of the Chanties Act 2011 (Yhe 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have
followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)Ib) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in
section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member
of the Association of Chartered Cerbfied Accountsnts, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me cause to believe-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or
the accounts do not accord wth those records,. or
the accounts do not comply wth the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than
any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of
an independent examination., or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Ststement of
Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable to charities preparing their
accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the Charivs Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's
Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent Examinerfs Report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent pemitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed..
Samantha Rouse
A 7fL
Dated.. 15 October 2025
FCCA DChA
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants
37 St Margaret's Street
Canterbury
Kent
CT12TU
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Unlock. for people with criminal records
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ststement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account)
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Investments
194.386
127,797
4,791
196
322,183
4,791
196
411,668
5,181
Other income
Total income
194.386
132,784
327,170
416,849
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
184.848
249,758
434,606
523,822
Total expenditure
184,848
249,758
434,606
523,822
Net movement in funds
9,538
1116,974
(107,436
(106,973)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought fO￿ard
Net movement in funds
32,377
9.538
299,211
1116,974
331,588
(107.436
438,561
(106,973)
Total funds carried forward
41.915
182,237
224,152
331,588
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 24 to 36 form part of these financial statements.
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Registered number: 03791535
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2025
2025
2024
Note
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
10
6,960
2,843
13,920
5,001
9,803
18,921
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
12
5,705
211,224
3,764
311,483
216,929
315,247
Current liabilities
Creditors.. amounts falling due wthin one
year
13
12.580
(2,580}
Net current assets
214,349
312,667
Totsl net assets
224,152
331,588
Charity funds
Restricted funds
14
41,915
182,237
32,377
299,211
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds
224,152
331,588
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with
section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees a¢knO￿edge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to
accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to
the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by..
Faye Goldman
Chair of Trustees
Date.. 15 October 2025
The notes on pages 24 to 36 form part of these financial statements.
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
General infomiation
Unlock, for perople with criminal records is a tharitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in
England and Wales with the company number 03791535 and the charity number 1079046. The Charity's
registered office is Maidstone Community Support Centre, 3948 Marsham Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14
1HH.
Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial ststements have been prepared in accordance wth the Charities SORP (FRS 1021
Accounting and Reporting by Charities= Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance Y￿th the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit ents-ty under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are
initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwse stated in the relevant
accounting policy.
The financial statements are presented in British Sterfing and rounded to the nearest Pound.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any
material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of
the Charity to continue as a going concem. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a
period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and
have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a
going concem, thus they continue the adopt the going concem basis of accounting in preparing the
financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charty has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the
income will be received and the amount of income re￿1vable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of
receipt and the ability to estimate with SLrfficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of
entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to
them (through knO￿edge of the existence of a valid wll and the death of the benefactor} and the
executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate.
Receipt of a legacy must be recognised ￿en it is probable that it will be received and the fair value
of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the
Charity, can be reliably measured.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of
income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant
funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advan￿ of entitlement of receipt, its
recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs
before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment
income is receivable.
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Accounting policies Icontinued)
2.3 Income (continued)
Other income is recognised in the period in vthich it is receivable and to the extent the goods have
been provided or on completion of the service.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit
to a third paty, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and
the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs
of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs
involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly
to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are
not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with
the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of b'me spent, and depreciation
charges allocated on the porbon of the asset's use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the
Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Intangible assets and amortisation
Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible
assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impaiment
losses.
Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to vrrite off the cost of each asset on
a straight-line basis over its expected useful life.
Amortisation is provided on the following basis..
Development expenditure
20 % straight line
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £200 or more with an expected useful life of more than four years are
capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the
asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible
fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment
losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be
included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tsngible fixed assets less their residual value
over their estimated useful lives. using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the followng basis=
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
25°
25%
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Accounting policies Icontinued)
2.7 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity
of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised )then there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past
event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit wll be required in settlement, and the amount
of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the
amount it has received as adVan￿d payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where
the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those
amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The
unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2.10 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently
measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.11 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the
amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.12 Fund accounting
General fvnds are unrestricted fvnds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other
purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular
purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial
statements.
Restricted funds are funds whith are to be used in accordance Specific restrictions imposed by
donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and
administering such fvnds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted
fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Income from donations and legacies
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
Donations
6.454
16,961
23,415
22,817
1,546
343,532
43,773
Legacies
Grants
164,332
23.600
77,797
33.039
242,129
56,639
Earned income
194,386
127,797
322,183
411,668
Total 2024
202.199
209,469
411,668
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
Deposit account interest
4,791
4,791
5,181
Total 2024
5,181
5,181
Other incoming resources
Unrestricted
funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
other income
196
196
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fvnd type
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Total
2025
Total
2024
Charitsble activities
184,848
249,758
434,606
523,822
Total 2024
192.071
331.751
523,822
Charitable activities
Athce & Pdicy & SuFp(Yt
SwpDrt Pthocxy costs FuTMlnisI￿ G(V•Tem￿Ce
20
Tolal
124
Totsl
Di￿* (y)*3
Wa
CEO Conslttanry
Recrutimert
Travel
Training
Office SLmdries
Vdurteer o)*s
I￿orne genwation
LiY¥d ittii
139.043 113.114 17.078
5,3Q 5,3Q
247
45.
13.952 363.702
5,342
26,712
26.149
740 26.
7,317
6.230
247
2,176
247
2,924
318
74
SJ3
5,0
2,29)
35J
5,0
6.1
810
163,1 ￿ 120,649 26,OXI
52,&
19,3BO ￿1,879 437,C98
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Charitable activities (continued)
Suvwil
ncrtisalv)
DeptEchqt
£0)unt￿cY
Tru*ee% e<tEnses
Tra￿1￿9
Pctstogc. &ationcry
d conÈrence f
Telephone
Computw
Sthsair*￿ns
Communicat￿[
Repairs
Rent
Irk3urnn
Consum￿1
Bmk
6,￿0
2,130
3,707
2,075
2,075
4,140
418
340
2,614
627
2,100
315
1,0'12
5,2
14
1,21
310
2,137
1,7
270
3,11
1,7T6
12,&39
lo,￿1
11,3fA
8,651
102
333
13,711
1,5
617
102
144
10
113
135
513
13,1E6
1,￿3
28,219
13,7ttl
1,074
113
75
113
113
2r3
2f3
52,721 86,T25
32,412
5,1Ql
3,404
Total 21rL5 costs
195￿￿ 125,74W ￿,979
54&M
47B5 434,6(￿ 523M22
Tolal I￿4 colts
213,5t
179,958 46,372
58,7&5
25,219
staff costs
As restated
2024
2025
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
291,196
21,989
15.647
320,877
25,412
17,413
328,832
363,702
During the year, a temiination payment was made of £5.797 (2024.. £11,646).
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows..
2025
No.
2024
No.
Employees
10
10
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
staff costs (continued)
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
During the year, the key management personnel of the Charity received remuneration of £156,269 (2024..
£162,201). The key management personnel remuneration figure includes the CEO Consultancy figure
disclosed at Note 7.
Trustees. remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £627 vRre reimbursed or paid directly to 4
Trustees (2024 - £236 to 3 Trustees) for travel expenses.
10.
Intangible assets
Develop-
ment
Cost
At 1 April 2024
34,800
At 31 March 2025
34,800
Amortisation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
20,880
6,960
At 31 March 2025
27,840
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
6,960
At 31 March 2024
13,920
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
11. Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
Computer
equipment
Total
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Disposals
19,128
27,136
1900
46,264
(900)
At 31 March 2025
19,128
26,236
45,364
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
19,128
22,135
2,075
(817
41,263
2,075
(817)
At 31 March 2025
19,128
23,393
42,521
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
2,843
2,843
At 31 March 2024
5,001
5,001
12.
Debtors
2025
2024
Due within one year
Trade debtors
4,050
1,655
3,764
Prepayments and accrued income
5,705
3,764
13.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Accruals and deferred income
2.580
2,580
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
14. Statement of funds
ststement of funds - current year
at 1
AIXI 2•24 Mom• ExpDn(kn
•rn BaknTK• *t31
out
I*￿nI•25
D••lgnaknd
OrpnAieJn tlerfd0ryr￿tarn*
Rese•th OFportnity FL￿d
F￿¥d 4rKI kntsngbknAz￿ F￿d
18.921
18.921
9.11a'.
9.WJl
Guionl fJrTth
Tokni UN••tnctsdTu
112.781
9.11a
293211 132.784
245.7￿ j
182.237
R•*tr*bdTuTrll•
29h k¢ay 1961 ChaiitibleTr
lo￿0￿
I100(￿}
Big SI￿ Chriarna Chalorrge
Br￿￿0 &thrathr Trusi
C8 8 HH
5A17
a.565
15117)
13A65
1AOQ
2￿00
5000
an Trus1
CotAre
Coly Fergussr￿ ChziL7bk Tw
tkapEfs Charity
IEdey Fourvjalun
Kenl GJnrn Lnity FaLnd&Dn
L￿￿ellY Cha Fouryja
Tru
lidbn&5 af thJharn
P44)arol L￿trIcr￿rnUndy Furyl
P4otingP&yrn Trvnl Unra
Oz&(Lile Tru51
PLVgJla Fo￿d￿6)n
4M23
3.171
3￿00
(1911231
13.1711
I3￿1￿j
15￿00
31.78
s￿00
7201
27243
5020
1￿00
2ffj00
2AOQ
6A54
oo
2.500
?4.357
1S,OOJ
172011
Q2,7871
150ZJ>
1 IJC(J
12fjC(J
7.*31
SrEty F￿nd￿￿on
Thc GI￿ 24125
Thc J G FtrJgg cihiri&￿E TrLEsI
Tht La¥ Sooaiy
The P&Jd BuJJJn Tr
16A54
10201
&ffi9
12SQ)
31100
Lfvti otChe*r
7.700
23,6iJU
S2.377 194.386
I7.7[￿
17.879
41.915
To¢Jl (￿d&
331_511 527.17•
434.1•È
224.152
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
statement of funds - prior year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
Aprfl 2023
TransfefS
Income Expendlture
Unrestrlcted funth
Deslgnated funds
Ofganisatson Developfflenl arKI
Research C￿F￿Unity Fund
Flxed and IntsrMJible A8set
Fund
{80,000)
1B.921
16.921
{61,079)
18.921
Genoral funds
Genefal FuTrJs
313,535
214,650
1331,751)
83,856 280,290
Totsl Unrngtrlcted fvndg
393,535
214,650
1331,751)
299,211
Restrkted funds
The 1772 Charty
BaTh Cadlxjry Trust
Blg Gi* Christmas Chalben9e
Bruno Schroder Trust
11,600
{1,127
1,127
4.358
6.681
(660)
14.358)
161.?35)
5A17
5.417
3.565
City & Metropolrtan Welfare
Chanty
Co* Charrtable Trust
(3.200
(918)
918
Trust
6,519
10,ofKI
15,000
112,496)
111,8291
(7,980)
4,023
&171
Drapgrs Chaflty
ES￿￿e Fai￿UM Future Plus
Garneld Weston FoundalK)n
Hedley FoundatK
The J G Hog3 ChamaNe Trust
Nalional Lottery c￿mUn
Fund
8.052
{8.052)
1902
112,701)
10.201
76222
(76,222)
13.000)
11,000)
{5,368)
The Noel Buxtcffl Tr￿t
Porticus UK
{1,301)
45.026
202.1
1192.071)
{22,Trr)
3I3TI
Total ol furKIs
438,561
416,849
1523,822)
331,588
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Nature and purpose of designated funds
Organisation development and research opportunity fund - this fijnd related to money set aside for the
charity to undertake a training pla￿ment and develop their IT infrastructure. It also included money set
aside for the charity to use for research opportunities. £40k of the fund was fully utilised for the training
placement and IT infrastructure. However, it was agreed to un-designate the money set aside for
research opportunities in the prior year and as such this fund has a £NIL balance at 31 March 2025.
Fixed and Intangible Asset Fund- this fund makes up the balance ofthe value of the fixed and intangible
assets held by the Charity.
Nature and purpose of restricted funds
29th May 1961 Charitable Trust - A three-year grant contributing to core costs for our helpline.
AB Charitable- A one off grant to funding management development and training.
Big Give Christmas Challenge 23124 - Various donations via the 2023 Big Give Christmas Challenge
supporting our campaign vrfork to advocate for reform of the criminal record system relating to childhood
offences.
Bruno Schroder Trust- The final year of a three year grant supporting our policy work to increase access
to higher education for people wth cnminal records. Part of the funds contributed to the development of
Unlock's website. During the period. the Charity reviewed it's restricted funds and deemed the fund had
been fully spent at point of development, and as such the amortisation has been transferred to the
unrestricted fund as the restriction had been discharged.
CB & HH Taylor- A grant supporting the delivery of our Moving on With Convictions workshop in HMP
Featherstone and HMP Oakwood.
Chapman Charitable Trust- A grant funding our peer led helpline providing advi￿ to people with criminal
records.
Cobtree Charitsble Trust- A grant funding our peer led helpline providing advice to people with criminal
records.
Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust- A three-year grant to develop Unlock's volunteer program, enhance
volunteers, digital skills, extend volunteer training. and involve volunteers in Unlock's policy work.
Colyer Ferguson 24126 - Year one of a year grant contributing to the cost of our information. advice
and support helpline enabling people to re￿1ve expert advi￿ via our helpline and website including the
development of our support plus programme, mental health referral processes and audiolvisual advice.
Drapers Charity- A one-year contribution to the advice and help salaries, premises, IT and other running
costs.
Hedley Foundation - A one-year grant to cover the costs of our volunteer scheme.
Kent Community Foundation- Two grants funding our peer led helpline providing advice to people with
criminal records.
Lawson Trust- A grant contributing to the running of our volunteer scheme.
Lankelly Chase Founation- A grant supporting Paula Harriott to become involved in the Knowledge
Network and specifically looking at how knowledge is produced and creation of new ways of knowledge
production in social justice spaces.
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Midlands NHS Partnershipluniversity of Durham- A grant supporting Unlock's contribution to research
focusing on serious mental illness of women in prison and through the gate.
National Lottery Community Fund - A three year grant to deliver our Better Advice for All project to
increase the reach of our help and advi￿.
Nottingham Trent University- A one-off grant supporting the analysis of our advice date.
Oakdale Trust- A on&off grant supporting our policy worf( to increase access to higher education and
employment.
Pursula Foundation- A one-off grant fvnding our peer led helpline providing advice we give to people with
criminal records.
Society Foundation- A one-off grant funding the development of a new online tool to allow people to
check the relevant DBS check for individual job roles.
Big Give Christmas Challenge 24125 Various donations via the 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge
supporting our advice and support v￿rk.
The J G Hogg Charitable Trust- A three-year grant for our policy V￿rk to challenge the misuse of criminal
record checks and raise the confidence of people to challenge ineligible checks.
The Law Society - A onfroff grant to fund our peer led helpline providing advice we give to people with
criminal records.
The Noel Buxion Trust- A three-year grant to fund our volunteer led helpline providing advice to people
with criminal records.
University of Chester- A four year grant supporting Unlock's contribution to a UK Research and
Innovation project mapping lived experienced leadership in the criminal justice system.
University of Manchester- A grant supporting lived experience input to research into the extent and quality
of care in prison.
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Total
funds
2025
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
2,843
6,960
175,014
(2,580}
2,843
6,960
216,929
(2,580)
41,915
Creditors due wthin one year
Total
41.915
182,237
224,152
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Notes to the Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
15. Analysis of net assets between funds Icontinued)
Analysis of net assets between fvnds - prior year
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due wthin one year
5,001
13,920
282,870
(2,580)
5,001
13,920
315,247
(2,580)
32.377
Total
32,377
299,211
331,588
16.
Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £15,647 (2024 - £17,413), A
balance of £NIL (2024 £NIL) was payable to the scheme at the balance sheet date and is included in
creditors.
17.
Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any
outstanding balances owing be￿een related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2025.
Page 36