Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry

During Human Impact Hearings — which began three years ago today — we heard testimony from 189 people in London, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast. During these hearings, people shared the different ways the Horizon scandal had a devastating effect on their lives, impacting their finances, family and relationships, as well as their physical and mental health. ?? Opening the hearings, Sir Wyn Williams, Chair of the Inquiry, said: ? “These hearings would not be taking place at all were it not for the witnesses who have agreed to give up their valuable time and publicly relive what must be very distressing memories and events.?? “My heart-felt thanks goes out to them for all their willingness to co-operate with the Inquiry and to make a very significant contribution to the Inquiry's work.” Find out more about the Inquiry’s Human Impact Hearings on our website: https://lnkd.in/epe4tnc9 #PostOfficeInquiry

On this day three years ago, the Inquiry’s Human Impact hearings began. During these hearings, Sir Wyn heard evidence from 189 people in London, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast, who shared the different ways in which the Horizon scandal impacted their lives.? Witnesses included sub-postmasters, managers, assistants and family members, who gave evidence in oral hearings, as well as through witness statements and online focus groups.?? The phase investigated the impacts on physical and mental health, relationships, finances, and on the wider community.? Some testimonies from the Human Impact phase can be viewed on our YouTube channel:? https://lnkd.in/ebf9rNEc?? Please note this video contains material which may be upsetting. Recordings and transcripts of hearings from the Human Impact Phase can be accessed on the Inquiry’s website:? https://lnkd.in/epe4tnc9 #PostOfficeInquiry??

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is committed to understanding the full impact of this scandal on people's lives.? ? Last year, more than 300 people came forward to share their experiences through our listening project, In Your Own Words. If you, your family, or your community were affected by the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, we want to hear your experience. 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 and are encouraged to do so.? ? Your story will help ensure a comprehensive understanding of the scandal's impact. Share your story here: https://lnkd.in/e_VSGdbM?

So far, the Inquiry has disclosed a total of 2,214,858 pages of evidence Published documents can be found on the ‘Evidence’ page of the Inquiry’s website: https://lnkd.in/eTFidbsE #PostOfficeInquiry

Throughout the entirety of the Inquiry, we have disclosed? 270,785 documents to Core Participants.? Evidence has varied from reports and emails, to witnesses statements and can be accessed via the Inquiry’s Evidence webpage:? https://lnkd.in/eTFidbsE? To find out more about evidence we have recently disclosed, read the latest new story on our website:? https://lnkd.in/eSzBA9ST? #PostOfficeInquiry??

From the Human Impact hearings in 2022, to the Closing Statements in December 2024, the Inquiry has published a total of 780 witness statements.?? ? We have also published 12 closing statements from Core Participants to the Inquiry.?? ? To find out more about the additional statements posted at the end of Closing Statements, read out news story below:?? ? ? https://lnkd.in/eSzBA9ST? ? #PostOfficeInquiry??

Beginning the Inquiry’s Preliminary Hearing in 2021 and ending with the Closing Statements in 2024, the Inquiry has sat for a total of 226 hearing days. ? Each phase of the Inquiry has investigated different aspects of the Horizon scandal, from its human impact to current practice and procedure within the Post Office, as well as compensation.? Find out more:?? https://lnkd.in/er_DteE8 #PostOfficeInquiry??

Following the conversion of the Inquiry into a statutory Inquiry, witnesses have been called to give evidence under the Inquiries Act 2005. This act states that the Chair of a public Inquiry has the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath and produce documents.? In total, the Inquiry has heard oral evidence from 298 witnesses.? From sub-postmasters to Post Office and Fujitsu executives, Sir Wyn has heard evidence from a range of people.? This has informed the Inquiry’s work to gather a clear account of the implementation and failings of the Horizon IT system at the Post Office over its lifetime ? #PostOfficeInquiry?

Last year, more than 300?people contributed?to the Inquiry’s listening project #InYourOwnWords. This is a space where people can share the ways in which the scandal has impacted them.? In November, the Inquiry published its first paper about the impact of the scandal, specifically how it has affected families and relationships. In their submissions to In Your Own Words, over 65% of people highlighted the impact the scandal has had on their family life and relationships. Read the full paper below:?? https://lnkd.in/ebuufjdA? If you have been affected by the scandal and feel in a position to contribute to #InYourOwnWords, we would love to hear from you.? To share your story, follow the link below:? ?https://lnkd.in/eevYnTFC?

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the key milestones and statistics for the Inquiry over the past year and look at what's next, following the conclusion of public hearings ?? In 2024 alone, we held 96 hearings (excluding closing statements), heard evidence from 114 witnesses, and published 303 witness statements. Elsewhere, the Inquiry also launched a listening Project called, In Your Own Words, and has continued to develop ideas for it's upcoming Legacy Project, which aims to mark the scandal in history. Moving forward, the Inquiry will continue analysing evidence, drafting the final report and will then begin a process known as Maxwellisation. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/er_DteE8 #PostOfficeInquiry