At the start of October, we invited FairChecks supporters to write to the new Lord Chancellor, David Lammy, urging him and the Government to act on the Leveson Review’s recommendation of a full review of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
A massive thank you to the more than 150 people that wrote, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the crucial need for reform of the system. Our collective voice was loud and powerful, and it was heard.
Last week, we received a collective response from Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, addressing some of the points raised. You can read the full letter below.
This response is a positive step, but there’s still much more to do. We will continue to push for a full review of the criminal records system, and we appreciate your support as we keep the pressure on! Sign up to join the mailing list here, if you haven’t already.
Dear Penelope,
CRIMINAL RECORD REFORM
I wish to thank you and members of the FairChecks movement for raising your concerns regarding criminal record reform. I am responding as the Minister responsible for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending.
I hope you and the FairChecks campaign members will appreciate I am unable to comment on the circumstances of individual cases, so please find this as a collective response to your correspondence.
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the disclosure of past offences does not unduly hinder individuals seeking to reintegrate into society and access employment opportunities. The disclosure regime seeks to strike a delicate balance between enabling individuals who have offended in the past to move on and contribute positively to society, whilst maintaining appropriate safeguards to uphold public protection.
While the Government is not currently able to set out specific reforms to the criminal records regime, we are considering the recommendations made in Part 1 of Sir Brian Leveson’s review, including those relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
As someone who has long championed the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and seen first-hand the value they bring to the workplace, I am passionate about ensuring that our systems support second chances and I know how vital employment is in helping people rebuild their lives, regain confidence, and contribute positively to society.
I appreciate your continued commitment and I will ensure that your concerns are noted and shared with the relevant policy team.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Timpson
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending
