Question 1

Why are the Restorative Justice Council leading this work and are you part of the Post Office, Fujitsu or Department for Business and Trade?

Accepted Answer

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has been commissioned to lead this work due to our extensive expertise in restorative justice principles and practices. As an independent national charity, we are dedicated to promoting, supporting, and developing restorative justice across various sectors. Our unique knowledge and experience enable us to effectively facilitate processes that encourage healing and resolution for all parties involved.

We want to clarify that the RJC operates independently and is not part of the Post Office, Fujitsu, or the Department for Business and Trade.

Question 2

What restorative justice processes are available to me?

Accepted Answer

We offer several restorative processes designed to help you communicate with the organisations responsible for the harm you’ve experienced—either directly or indirectly. These options provide a safe and structured way to share your story, ask questions, and seek accountability.

Question 3

Group-Based Circles

Accepted Answer

Join a group setting where multiple individuals affected by the same issue can meet with organisational representatives. These circles encourage shared experiences, mutual support, and collective dialogue about accountability and repair.

Question 4

Individual Restorative Meetings

Accepted Answer

Prefer a private conversation? Individual meetings allow you to speak directly with organisational representatives in a confidential setting. This option gives you space to focus on your personal experiences and expectations without the dynamics of a larger group.

Question 5

Indirect Restorative Communications

Accepted Answer

If direct interaction feels overwhelming, you can choose an indirect approach. Through a trained restorative practitioner, you can share your questions or concerns and receive responses—ensuring your voice is heard without face-to-face contact.

Question 6

Not ready for direct communication?

Accepted Answer

You may find our Restorative Well-Being Service helpful. This service connects you with trained restorative listeners who understand the context and impact of the scandal. There’s no pressure to take further steps—just a safe space to talk and be heard.

Question 7

What is the Restorative Wellbeing Service and how is this different from restorative justice?

Accepted Answer

The Restorative Wellbeing Service offers emotional support and a safe space for anyone affected by the Horizon scandal. It connects you with trained restorative listeners who understand the context and impact of your experience. These sessions focus on listening, understanding, and ensuring you feel heard. This may be all you feel ready for right now, but if after engaging with the Well-Being Service you decide to explore further restorative options, you can request for your details to be transferred to the full Horizon programme for additional support.

Restorative justice is a structured process aimed at addressing harm through dialogue, accountability, and repair. It typically involves direct or indirect communication with the organisations responsible for the harm. In contrast, the Restorative Well-Being Service is not about engaging with those organisations; it’s about supporting your well-being and giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.

Question 8

Where will in-person restorative justice meetings take place?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all participants. We will work with you to identify venues that are neutral and as close to you as possible.

On the referral form, you will have the opportunity to outline any support requirements, such as neurodiversity, learning needs, disability, religious needs, or language barriers. Please inform us of any specific accommodations that would enhance your experience.

Question 9

What is the purpose of the Listening Circles?

Accepted Answer

Listening Circles are designed to create a safe and open space for those affected by the Horizon scandal to share their experiences and perspectives. These sessions are an opportunity for honest dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective reflection.

Your feedback is vital. The insights gathered during these circles will help shape the restorative justice programme, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of those most impacted.

Question 10

What is a restorative justice programme?

Accepted Answer

A restorative justice programme is designed to promote healing and accountability for those affected by harm. In the context of the Horizon scandal, Sir Wyn Williams recommended in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry Report that the Post Office, Fujitsu, and the Department for Business and Trade establish such a programme. This recommendation highlights the importance of offering a range of restorative opportunities to meet the needs of those impacted.

The programme may include:

Direct Restorative Justice: Working with a trained restorative practitioner to prepare for a face-to-face meeting with representatives of the organisations involved.

Indirect Restorative Justice: If direct contact feels overwhelming, you can work with a practitioner to write a letter expressing your questions or concerns, or have the practitioner facilitate conversations on your behalf.

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) is committed to ensuring these options reflect your needs. Your input is essential in shaping a process that truly supports those affected.

Question 11

If I take part in a Listening Circle, will I need to speak to the Post Office, Fujitsu, or DBT?

Accepted Answer

No. You will not be asked to speak to representatives from these organisations during the Listening Circles. We have specifically ensured that they will not attend these sessions. This is to create a safe, open environment where you can share your thoughts and experiences freely.

Your privacy and comfort are our top priorities.

Question 12

Where will the listening circles be held and how many people will be there?

Accepted Answer

We’ve already hosted several Listening Circles to provide a safe space for those affected by the Horizon scandal to share their experiences. These sessions took place on:

23 September 2025 – Belfast
25 September 2025 – Glasgow
30 September 2025 – Wales
2 October 2025 – London
6 October 2025 – Online
9 October 2025 – Online

To ensure we hear from as many voices as possible, we are now arranging additional online sessions:

Online – Families
13 November 2025, 18:30 – 20:30
This session is exclusively for family members of those harmed by the scandal. We understand the deep and lasting effects this has had on loved ones, and this session will provide a space for families to share their perspectives and help shape a future restorative programme.

Online – Children
26 November 2025, 18:30 – 20:30
This session is specifically for children who have been affected—whether directly or through the experiences of their parents or guardians. We recognise the unique impact this has had on younger generations and want to ensure their voices are included in this process.

We anticipate up to 40 participants in each online session. These circles will be carefully structured to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

Question 13

How long will the listening circles last?

Accepted Answer

Each in-person Listening Circle is scheduled to last up to three hours, giving you plenty of time to share your experiences and be heard.

Our online sessions are expected to run for up to two hours. These sessions are carefully structured to ensure you have a meaningful and supportive experience throughout.

Breaks will be included during both in-person and online sessions to make sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the discussion.

Question 14

What happens after I register to attend one of the listening circles?

Accepted Answer

After you register for your chosen Listening Circle, a member of the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) team will contact you via email with additional details about the session.

For in-person listening circles, this email will include information on how to claim reimbursement for travel and accommodation and confirm any specific access needs you may have.

For online listening circles, we will send you a joining link 24 hours before the session to ensure you have everything you need to participate.

Question 15

What if I don’t have digital access?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have online access, please let us know, and we will arrange alternative ways to ensure your views are included. We are committed to making sure everyone can engage effectively, regardless of their digital capabilities.

If you don’t have access to technology to join our online sessions, we can arrange for a practitioner to call you to discuss your views or send you a copy of our questionnaire.

Please reach out to us, and we will work together to find a suitable solution that meets your needs.

Question 16

How will you use the information you collect through the listening circles and online forms?

Accepted Answer

The feedback collected through the Listening Circles and online forms will play a vital role in shaping the restorative justice programme. We focus only on the themes and key points raised during discussions—individual names are never referenced.

The insights gathered will be compiled into a report for the Post Office, Fujitsu, and the Department for Business and Trade, along with our recommendations for the programme. Importantly, this report will not include any identifiable information or details about who attended the sessions.

Our commitment to confidentiality ensures that your input is used responsibly and respectfully while helping to create a meaningful restorative justice initiative.

Question 17

Will participating affect my compensation claim?

Accepted Answer

No. Taking part in any of these processes—whether restorative justice, the Well-Being Service, or Listening Circles—will not impact your compensation claim in any way. These initiatives are separate from the ongoing compensation schemes, and your participation will not affect your entitlement or the progress of your claim.

We encourage you to engage in these discussions without any concerns about your compensation status.

Question 18

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring a supporter with you to the Listening Circles—or to any of our restorative processes. This could be a family member or a friend, and they are more than welcome to join in the discussions. We can also assist with the costs associated with their attendance.

If you plan to bring young children to an in-person session, please let your practitioner know in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

Question 19

Can I change my mind about participating?

Accepted Answer

Your participation in any restorative process—including Listening Circles—is completely voluntary. You are free to change your mind at any point.

If you decide not to participate, we kindly ask that you let us know as soon as possible. This allows us to allocate our practitioners to support other participants who wish to take part.

You can also choose to participate at a later date if you feel ready. If you would like to pursue a different form of restorative justice, please let your practitioner know so we can facilitate this for you.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as this helps us ensure that everyone who wants to engage has the opportunity to do so.

Question 20

Can I access financial support to attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can access financial support to help with your participation in in-person restorative justice meetings and Listening Circles. We have funding available to cover travel and accommodation costs for you and a supporter.

To learn more about the specific support we can provide, please email us at Horizon@restorativejustice.org.uk.

Question 21

How will confidentiality be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is extremely important to us across all restorative processes. Your information will be stored securely in line with GDPR regulations, ensuring your privacy is protected at every stage. No external organisations will have access to this information.

When we document discussions—whether during Listening Circles, restorative meetings, or through feedback forms—we focus only on themes and key points, not on who said what. We have clear processes in place to ensure individual identities remain unidentifiable.

Your trust and privacy are our top priorities, and we are committed to creating a safe and confidential environment for everyone who takes part.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions