Unlock describes its vision as "A fair and inclusive society where people with criminal records can move on positively in their lives".
The association was originally established in 1998 by a group of reformed offenders who had successfully rebuilt their lives after serving prison sentences.
This group included Stephen Fry, Bob Turney and founding Chief Executive Mark Leech, who left the organization in May 2002 to pursue commercial interests.
In 2007 it rebranded as Unlock, The National Association of Reformed Offenders in order to emphasize the journey which its members had been on.
The charity also works with government, employers, insurers and others, to challenge and support so that people with criminal records are treated fairly.