UP TO 16,000 people are to be contacted this week by researchers commissioned by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry as part of evidence gathering for its final phase, looking at current practice and procedure at the Post Office.

Every current sub-postmaster in the UK will be asked about their experience working with the Post Office, and applicants under the Post Office’s in-house compensation scheme (the Horizon Shortfall Scheme) will be asked about their experiences of this process.

Findings of the two surveys, conducted by independent research and data analytics firm, YouGov, will be presented as evidence during the Inquiry’s final phase, Phase 7, and will inform inquiry chair, Sir Wyn Williams’ findings and recommendations. Phase 7 will examine how the Post Office operates today. It will also investigate whether the Post Office has lived up to its commitment of “full and fair compensation".

Those eligible to take part in the surveys will be contacted via email. Respondents will contribute their experiences anonymously and can do so online, or over the phone for those who need reasonable adjustments.

Sir Wyn Willilams has secured agreement from the Post Office that they will waive without prejudice legal privilege specifically for these surveys. This means everyone can share their experiences when completing the surveys without fear of legal repercussions.

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In earlier phases, the inquiry has heard evidence about the unfairness of sub-postmaster contracts, lack of training on the Horizon IT system, and a lack of helpline support.

Sir Wyn has previously convened four hearings on compensation schemes, and raised concerns about compensation in an interim report laid before Parliament last year. The Horizon Shortfall Scheme was set up by the Post Office to compensate people affected by the scandal but not convicted of a crime. Further compensation issues will be explored during Phase 7.

Phase 7 is due to start mid-September 2024. In addition to the report on the surveys, it is expected to include evidence from current and former senior officials in the Post Office and Government and will also consider the other compensation schemes. A researcher from YouGov will also be questioned on the surveys’ findings.

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The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry was set up to investigate the failings which occurred with the Horizon IT system at the Post Office, which led to the suspension, termination of sub postmasters’ contracts, prosecution and conviction of sub postmasters, including former sub-postmaster Jo Hamilton from South Warnborough.

Jo, who has given evidence to the inquiry, said she suffered an ‘horrendous ordeal’ when she was forced to beg and borrow money after being accused of stealing £36,000 by the Post Office.

She pleaded guilty in 2008 to false accounting for fear of going to prison. However, her conviction was quashed in 2021 after she was found to be a victim of the scandal.

Her story was told in the four-part ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which laid bare what has been called the ‘most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history’.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We fully support the Inquiry’s initiative to commission two independent surveys amongst the postmaster population and the Inquiry’s determination to ensure the experiences of current and former postmasters are at the forefront of Phase 7 of the Inquiry.”

Are you a sub-postmaster? Get in touch by emailing emily.roberts@newsquest.co.uk.