Working with those affected by the Horizon scandal on the Inquiry’s Legacy Project
By Helen Ryan, Deputy Secretary of the Post Office Horizon Inquiry.
The Inquiry is examining what is often described as the most “widespread miscarriage of justice” in British legal history and it’s only right that the voices of those affected are heard, every step of the way.
People have told us about the impact of the Horizon scandal throughout our phases and our listening project, In Your Own Words.
They’ve also told us that they want to make sure the scandal is marked in history.
For that reason, we’re working together with those affected by the scandal on an upcoming Legacy Project. This will seek to ensure that the scandal’s devastating impacts are not forgotten.
We recognise, of course, that for those who have been affected by the scandal there isn’t a single legacy and, in time, the scandal and the stories of those who have been affected may be marked in a range of ways.
Launch of the focus group
Sir Wyn is clear that human stories are at the heart of the Inquiry. So, we’re pleased that we’re working alongside those who have been affected to shape the upcoming Legacy Project.
Last week, some of the people who were affected by the scandal joined us for the Legacy Project’s first focus group. We are grateful to the group and look forward to working with them over the coming months.
During the session, the focus group had open conversations about what a Legacy Project means to them, and what they think it should look like.
As I expected, when listening to the discussions, what came through was creative thinking, heartfelt compassion, and the sincere desire to create a Legacy Project that resonates with all.
One of the participants in the focus group said:
"It [the Horizon scandal] has, of course, shaped our past and our future, and I think it's really important to take part in [the Legacy Project] so that something on this scale can't happen to someone else ever again." - Katherine McAlerney, former sub-postmaster from Northern Ireland
Over several months, these 14 people will continue to share their thoughts and views through this focus group. This will allow us to make decisions about the Legacy Project together.
Last month, we invited current and former sub-postmasters impacted by the Horizon scandal, or their chosen family or friend, to apply to join this focus group.
Many people showed interest in joining the Legacy Project focus group, and we want to thank everyone for their time and support. We considered the expressions of interest carefully and selected a small group of people to form the focus group.
These 14 people live across the UK and reflect a diverse range of voices and perspectives. We hope they will be able to draw upon the views and ideas of others in their networks and communities.
Joining the focus group is not the only way people can contribute to the Legacy Project.
People who have been affected by the Horizon scandal and want to share their experiences and views may do so at future engagement sessions or through our listening project, In Your Own Words. Any experiences shared will also help to inform the Legacy Project.
In Your Own Words is open to anyone who may have been impacted, including current or former sub-postmasters, family members, friends, community members, or other members of the public who may have reflections to share.
Current or former employees of organisations linked to the scandal, such as the Post Office, Government or Fujitsu, who may have been impacted in different ways, are also invited to share their experiences.
Work on the Legacy Project will happen at the same time as the Inquiry’s hearings and will be announced in due course. The Legacy Project will not delay the hearings and preparation of the final report.
