Post Office CEO, Nick Read, apologises to victims of the Horizon IT Scandal and outlines how the Post Office of today is responding to the failures of the past, rebuilding trust and driving change.
My apology on behalf of today’s Post Office is unequivocal. We are deeply sorry for the hurt and suffering that was caused to victims of the Horizon IT Scandal and their loved ones. The wrongs of the past can never be repeated and, where possible, we must put them right. I continue to meet with victims and hear first-hand their moving testimonies and I am in no doubt about the devastating human cost of the scandal. We are doing our utmost to ensure that people affected receive the redress they deserve as quickly as possible.
The Government’s statutory Inquiry, led by Sir Wyn Williams, aims to establish a clear account of the implementation and failings of the Horizon IT system. Post Office is committed to openly and transparently assisting the Inquiry to help provide closure, as far as that can ever be possible, for the people affected. Whilst the Inquiry’s work continues, my priority is to ensure that we support the Government in providing justice and redress to victims. We are making substantial progress with approximately £289 million paid to more than 2,800 claimants (as at 30 August 2024) across the redress schemes in place.
Past cultures in Post Office which helped perpetuate the human tragedies of the scandal must never return. We are continuing to rebuild trust and forge a new relationship with current postmasters, who serve their communities throughout the UK. There are now two Non-Executive Director Postmasters, elected by their fellow postmasters, on the Post Office Board to influence strategy and ensure the business’s direction is rooted in the reality of postmaster business experience. There is also a current postmaster in a director role, leading our day-to-day relationship with postmasters. Operational improvements have also been made, based on postmaster and branch staff feedback, in every part of the business from initial appointment and training through to daily transactions and accounting. Whilst there is still much to do, I know that today’s Post Office is changing for the better.
Nick Read
Chief Executive, Post Office