Restorative Justice Council announces next phase of Horizon Project to rebuild trust and healing

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) today publishes its inaugural report, "Rebuilding Trust – The Step Toward a Restorative Future," marking a significant advancement in the establishment of a national restorative justice programme for those impacted by the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.

Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, said "With the release of this report, we acknowledge the deep pain and trauma experienced by those affected by the Horizon scandal. Restorative Justice is not just about addressing past harms; it’s about creating a safe and compassionate space for individuals to share their stories and begin their healing journeys. Through genuine dialogue and connection, restorative justice empowers those impacted to move forward in ways that honour their experiences, laying the groundwork for a more hopeful future."

The report outlines the next phase of activities scheduled between November 2025 and March 2026—a critical period focused on piloting key restorative processes, expanding engagement to include children and families, and preparing Post Office Ltd, Fujitsu Services Ltd, and the Department for Business and Trade for meaningful restorative dialogue.

Immediate Activities Include:

Restorative Well-Being Service: Launching in November, this confidential service will be staffed by trained restorative practitioners, offering a safe space for individuals affected by the scandal to share their experiences and explore healing without the pressure of engaging in a formal process.

Additional Listening Sessions: These will include online sessions with the children of those affected and in-person circles for individuals who were previously unable to attend, ensuring all voices contribute to shaping the restorative programme.

Restorative Meetings and Group-Based Circles: These initiatives will enable harmed individuals to communicate directly or indirectly with organisational representatives, fostering accountability and understanding.

Enhanced Organisational Preparation: This will equip representatives from Post Office Ltd, Fujitsu Services Ltd, and the Department for Business and Trade with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in restorative dialogue with integrity.

The RJC has also announced plans to pilot Postmaster Community Building and Well-Being Initiatives, commencing in Northern Ireland. These initiatives will establish peer-led support groups that promote shared recovery and resilience among postmasters and their families.

The insights gathered from these initiatives will shape the design of the full national restorative justice programme, set to launch in April 2026. The RJC plans to publish an updated report in January 2026 that will document learnings and progress from this next stage.

Post Office Minister, Blair McDougall said: “I extend my gratitude to all victims who have taken the time to share how the scandal has affected them and their families – and how it continues to affect them today.

As we move forwards to the next chapter of restorative justice work, it is vital that this process is independent and postmaster led.

The Restorative Justice Council’s expertise makes them ideally placed to deliver this for victims, as we step towards righting past wrongs and ensuring justice is finally served.”

Commenting on the report, Post Office CEO, Neil Brocklehurst, said: “I am grateful to those who have shared their experiences of the Horizon Scandal with the Restorative Justice Council. We must now act – together with the Department for Business and Trade and Fujitsu – to establish a lasting and meaningful restorative justice programme which is directly informed by the wishes of those who were harmed.”

Paul Patterson, Fujitsu CEO Europe, said: “We deeply regret Fujitsu’s role in sub-postmasters’ suffering and recognise the profound impact it has had on them and their families. The Restorative Justice Council’s Horizon Project is an important step in supporting victims, and we are grateful to everyone who has shared their personal story. We support a restorative justice programme that reflects victims’ voices and ensures lessons are learned.” 

Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, commented, “This report captures both the pain and the determination of those whose lives were devastated by the Horizon scandal. The next phase is about translating their voices into real, restorative action—ensuring that healing, accountability, and cultural change progress hand in hand.

Our goal is clear: to foster dignity and rebuild trust through authentic dialogue and transformative restorative practices, ensuring that the voices of those affected lead the way toward healing and accountability.

The "Rebuilding Trust" report establishes the foundation for a long-term programme that prioritises those affected, ensuring inclusivity and compassion. Jim Simon concluded, “The Horizon Project marks the beginning of a restorative journey centred on the needs of those most impacted. By actively listening and acting with integrity, we can create a programme that empowers individuals harmed by this scandal to begin their healing process while ensuring that institutions confront and learn from past harms.”

The full report, "Rebuilding Trust: The Step Toward a Restorative Future," is available at: https://restorativejustice.org.uk/resources/horizon-project-reportrebuilding-trustthe-step-toward-restorative-future