Restorative Justice Council launches the Horizon Project – A Step Toward Healing for Those Impacted by the Horizon Scandal

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has today launched the Horizon Project; a restorative justice programme specifically designed for individuals affected by the Post Office Horizon IT scandal. This initiative comes as a direct response to the urgent need for a restorative justice programme highlighted in the first report from the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, where Sir Wyn Williams advocated for such initiatives to promote healing and accountability.

The Horizon Project is jointly funded by Post Office, Fujitsu Ltd, and the Department of Business and Trade, but operates independently to maintain impartiality and integrity. The project will commence with a series of six meetings held in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London throughout September and October. These meetings are specifically for individuals affected by the scandal to share their thoughts and feelings about what a future restorative justice programme should include. For that reason and to ensure a safe space for those taking part in the initial meetings, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, Post Office and Fujitsu Ltd will not be present.

Jim Simon, Chief Executive Officer at the Restorative Justice Council, emphasised the importance of participant input, stating, “We want to hear your voices and incorporate your insights into the restorative justice programme we are creating. Your experiences and perspectives are vital in shaping a process that truly responds to your needs.”

Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas, supported the launch of the programme, by stating, “I welcome the launch of this programme as a vital step towards redress and justice following this appalling scandal. Restorative justice was one of the many significant recommendations in Sir Wyn Williams’ report and something postmasters themselves have called for. That is why we are supporting the delivery of this as quickly as possible. The Restorative Justice Council's expertise and independence make them ideally placed to deliver this crucial work for victims of the Horizon scandal. I look forward to seeing their findings and working together to deliver them in the future.”

Neil Brocklehurst, CEO of Post Office, acknowledged the testimonies of those affected, stating, “I have heard from those affected by the Horizon IT Scandal about the importance of restorative justice in helping to address the devastating and lasting effects of their experiences. We are working with the Restorative Justice Council – an independent organisation – alongside Fujitsu Ltd and the Department for Business and Trade to hear from those impacted about how to further develop a meaningful restorative justice programme to support them.”

A Fujitsu spokesman remarked, "We have fully understood the calls highlighted by the public inquiry for an urgent programme of restorative justice to help with the process of healing and accountability. This partnership with the Restorative Justice Council reflects our commitment to building a restorative justice framework that supports those impacted but is also shaped by them. We are working through the recommendations made by Sir Wyn Williams in his Volume One report and we will have more to say in due course."

Since May 2023, over 70 restorative justice sessions have been conducted by the Post Office, focusing on amplifying the experiences of those impacted and demonstrating the potential of this approach. The RJC aims to build upon this foundation as it enters this new phase of healing and reconciliation. This programme is aligned with calls from victims, as emphasised in the first Inquiry report published by Sir Wyn Williams in July, advocating for an independent restorative justice programme.

Understanding that travel can be a barrier for some individuals, the RJC has allocated funds to cover associated costs, ensuring that everyone can participate. Participants are encouraged to engage in whichever manner feels most comfortable for them, whether in person or through an online feedback form.

The timeline for the Horizon Project is as follows: 

Phase 1: Collective insights from participants gathered through meetings and online forms. 

Phase 2: Analysing feedback to shape the programme’s structures and goals, culminating in the launch of the restorative justice programme, including a report with practical solutions and next steps designed to help bring closure to those impacted by the Horizon scandal.

The RJC invites all those impacted by the Horizon scandal, including current and former postmasters and family members, to participate in this initiative, assuring them that their voices matter. Your insights are invaluable as we work together toward a comprehensive restorative justice framework that prioritises healing for all involved.