About Post Office
What is Post Office’s purpose?
Post Office exists to be here, in person, for the people who rely on us. We provide essential services – like mails, banking, bill payments and identity verification – through a network of over 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.
How many Post Office branches are there?
We operate the UK’s largest retail network with 11,500+ branches, with 99.7% of the population living within 3 miles of a Post Office.
Who runs Post Office branches?
We operate on a franchise basis in partnership with independent business owners who run post offices, known as postmasters, as well as other retail partners.
Products & services
What services does Post Office offer?
We provide over 170 products and services, including:
• Mails services
• Banking and cash access
• Bill payments
• Travel money and insurance
• Government services like passport renewals
• Digital identity solutions
Can I access my bank account at a Post Office?
Yes. Through our Banking Framework , customers of major banks can withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques, and check balances at Post Office branches.
Governance
Who oversees Post Office?
Post Office Limited is governed by a Board of Directors and led by an Executive Committee , supported by specialist committees. Two serving postmasters are elected to the Board as Non-Executive Directors.
How are postmasters elected to the Board?
Every three years, postmasters elect two peers to serve as Non-Executive Directors . The process includes independent shortlisting, interviews, vetting and secure voting.
Horizion IT Inquiry
What is the Horizon IT Scandal?
The Horizon IT Scandal involves a dispute between Post Office and a group of postmasters, which took place over many years. It primarily concerns the reliability of the Horizon computer system used in post offices, issues related to postmasters’ contracts, and the culture of Post Office at the time.
We are sincerely sorry for the devastating impact on so many lives and the priority of today’s Post Office is to ensure that victims receive justice and financial redress as swiftly as possible.
What is the Horizon IT Inquiry?
An independent Public Inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal was established in September 2020, led by Sir Wyn Williams. The Inquiry is ongoing, with Volume 2 expected to be published in 2026. Post Office is fully participating to assist its work to get to the truth of what happened, so our business can continue to learn lessons and implement wholesale changes to benefit postmasters, and ensure nothing like this can happen again.
Does Post Office still bring private prosecutions?
No. Post Office has not undertaken private prosecutions since 2015 and has no intention of doing so in the future.
Careers & Partnerships
How can I become a postmaster?
Visit our Run a Post Office website for details on becoming a postmaster and joining our network.