Post Office Horizon IT inquiry 2020
A statutory inquiry into the Post Office’s Horizon IT dispute.
Documents
Details
Update 22 September 2021
The Inquiry now has its own independent website.
For the latest news and updates please visit https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/.
This inquiry, led by Sir Wyn Williams (see press release), looks to establish a clear account of the implementation and failings of the Horizon IT computer system over its lifetime.
As both postmasters and the Post Office Limited (POL) seek to make progress towards a better professional relationship the Inquiry aims to achieve the following through its engagement approach:
- an understanding of the impacts that the Horizon IT system caused
- acknowledgement of the personal experiences of those who have worked with the Horizon system and were affected by it
- a public summary of the above through the publication of a report in summer 2021 which will also make recommendations about the failings and the improvements at POL over the Horizon lifecycle and after the Settlement Agreement was concluded
The Inquiry is seeking accounts from those affected (including but not limited to postmasters) and information from the organisations: the Post Office Limited, Fujitsu, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and UK Government Investments.
The Inquiry has launched public hearings (as set out in the Statement of Approach 001, 5 November 2020) and a Call for Evidence. In early 2021 it will publish a People Survey to current postmasters, Post Office Limited employees and contractors, where Sir Wyn will welcome further evidence.
Documents published on this page
The Statement of Approach 002 (1 December 2020), sets out the approach to information handling and publication. Records that meet the criteria set out in Statement of Approach 002 will be published on this Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry page.
The Statement of Approach 003, (6 April 2021) details the upcoming People Surveys, the appointment of an Independent Adviser, and updates to information handling and publication approach.
The Chair’s Written Statement, 19 May 2021, details the conversion of the Inquiry to a Statutory footing and the updated Terms of Reference.
The Statement of Approach 004 (11 June 2021) details the conversion into a statutory inquiry, the terms of reference updated to reflect that, the core participants and timetable.
The Core Participant Protocol (28 June 2021) details the application process for Core Participant Status and also contains other headline information about the recognition of legal representatives, legal costs and confidentiality.
The Cost Protocol (with the Minister’s Determination appended, 28 June 2021) details funding for legal representation and associated expenses.
Contact us
For media enquiries: newsdesk@beis.gov.uk
Contact the Inquiry Secretariat:
- by email: POSecretariat@postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk
- or by post:
Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
1 Victoria Street
Westminster
London
SW1H 0ET
The Secretariat aims to respond to email enquiries within 5 working days of receipt, and to postal correspondence within 14 working days.
Updates to this page
Last updated 22 September 2021 + show all updates
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The Inquiry now has its own independent website. For the latest news and updates please visit https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/.
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Added a provisional list of issues. The list identifies the key themes the Inquiry will focus its work on.
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3 new protocols added on Redaction, Anonymity and Restriction Orders, disclosure of documents and the role of assessors.
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We have published a Core Participant Protocol and a Cost Protocol. The Core Participant Protocol details the application process for Core Participant Status and also contains information about the recognition of legal representatives, legal costs and confidentiality. The Cost Protocol details funding for legal representation and associated expenses.
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This is now a statutory inquiry.
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Statement of Approach 004 added, detailing the conversion into a statutory inquiry, the terms of reference updated to reflect that, the core participants and timetable.
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Added Written Statement from the Chair detailing the conversion of the Inquiry to a Statutory footing. Terms of Reference updated.
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Statement of Approach 3 updated with link to the Whistleblowing Survey.
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Statement of Approach 3 added: it provides detail of the upcoming People Surveys, the appointment of an Independent Adviser, and updates to information handling and publication approach.
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Added Statement of Approach 002: information handling and publication approach
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Statement of Approach 001: participant engagement methods added.
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Letter from Sir Wyn Williams, Chair of the Inquiry, added.
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Inquiry Terms of Reference added.
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First published.