16,000 people urged to share experiences of the Post Office, ahead of final stage of Inquiry
Up to 16,000 people are to be contacted this week by researchers commissioned by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry as part of evidence gathering for its final phase, looking at current practice and procedure at the Post Office.
Every current sub-postmaster in the UK will be asked about their experience working with the Post Office, and applicants under the Post Office’s in-house compensation scheme (the Horizon Shortfall Scheme) will be asked about their experiences of this process.
Findings of the two surveys, conducted by independent research and data analytics firm, YouGov, will be presented as evidence during the Inquiry’s final phase, Phase 7, and will inform Inquiry Chair, Sir Wyn Williams’ findings and recommendations.
Phase 7 will examine how the Post Office operates today. It will also investigate whether the Post Office has lived up to its commitment of “full and fair compensation.”
Those eligible to take part in the surveys will be contacted via email. Respondents will contribute their experiences anonymously and can do so online, or over the phone for those who need reasonable adjustments.
Sir Wyn Williams has secured agreement from the Post Office that they will waive without prejudice legal privilege specifically for these surveys. This means everyone can share their experiences when completing the surveys without fear of legal repercussions.
At the hearing today, Sir Wyn Williams urged people to participate in the survey:
Human stories are at the heart of this Inquiry. As will be obvious by now, and as I have said from time to time, I have been deeply affected by the accounts of hardship and suffering endured by many.
I urge all those who are contacted to complete the surveys, and I offer my heartfelt thanks now to all those who take the time and trouble to do so.
In earlier phases, the Inquiry has heard evidence about the unfairness of sub-postmaster contracts, lack of training on the Horizon IT system, and a lack of helpline support.
Sir Wyn Williams has previously convened four hearings on compensation schemes, and raised concerns about compensation in an interim report laid before Parliament last year.
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme was set up by the Post Office to compensate people affected by the scandal but not convicted of a crime. Further compensation issues will be explored during Phase 7.
Phase 7 is due to start mid-September 2024. In addition to the report on the surveys, it is expected to include evidence from current and former senior officials in the Post Office and Government and will also consider the other compensation schemes.
A researcher from YouGov will also be questioned on the surveys’ findings.
Notes to Editors:
Read the transcript of Sir Wyn's announcement in full here.
