Tag: trauma

Post Office Scandal: Chair calls for swift action to deliver ‘full and fair’ compensation in urgent report

POST OFFICE HORIZON IT INQUIRY

Sir Wyn Williams published the first volume of his final report yesterday (08/07/25), calling for urgent action to be taken to ensure full and fair compensation is delivered to sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal. 

Laid before Parliament on Tuesday, Sir Wyn makes 19 urgent recommendations to resolve issues that are hindering full and fair redress, including that:

  • The Government and the Post Office should agree on a definition of ‘full and fair’ compensation, and this should be followed when deciding the level of compensation to offer.
  • Horizon Shortfall Scheme claimants should receive legal advice, funded by the Government.
  • Close family members of people affected by the Horizon scandal should receive compensation.
  • The Government should create a standing public body which will create, administer, and deliver schemes for giving financial redress to people who have been wronged by public bodies.
  • Fujitsu, Post Office and the Government should publish a report by 31 October 2025, outlining a programme for restorative justice (or the actions they’ve taken so far to produce this programme).

Sir Wyn says he expects the Government (and where appropriate Post Office and Fujitsu) to provide a written response to his recommendations by 10 October 2025. 

Human Impact of the scandal

In the 162-page report, the Chair also details the scale of the suffering endured by those affected by the Horizon scandal. 

Through 17 carefully chosen illustrations, Sir Wyn recounts how some people became seriously ill, struggled with mental health problems including alcohol addiction, and faced financial impacts such as bankruptcy. 

He details how some people experienced reputational impacts or sadly passed away before receiving compensation. Elsewhere, he also highlights how some sub-postmasters were held liable for small amounts of money allegedly lost to the Post Office, while others were wrongly imprisoned. 

Sir Wyn’s findings in the report are based on hearings and evidence submitted up until 6 June 2025. This spans around 225 days of hearings, 298 witnesses, with around 274,600 documents disclosed to Core Participants. 

“Full, fair and prompt” redress 

Sir Wyn writes that, despite the Government and Post Office appearing to show a genuine desire to provide redress which is full and fair, and delivered promptly, there have been “formidable difficulties in the way of achieving those aims”. 

Considering each of the four redress schemes in turn, Sir Wyn finds that claimants to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme did not receive full and fair redress. 

Sir Wyn writes: “I am persuaded that in the difficult and substantial claims, on too many occasions, the Post Office and its advisors have adopted an unnecessarily adversarial attitude towards making initial offers which have had the effect of depressing the level at which settlements have been achieved.”

He also discusses how a ‘fear factor’ has been removed from the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process. This is because every claimant who chooses to have a claim assessed may appeal the offer made “safe in the knowledge that there is no risk of losing a prior better offer.”

Considering this, he questions why this ‘fear factor’ has not been removed for sub-postmasters who must choose whether to take the fixed term offer or have a compensation assessment. 

He writes: “Why is it appropriate to remove the fear factor from the HSSA but rigidly retain it in relation to the choice made by claimants between the Fixed Sum Offer and assessment? Try as I might, I cannot see the justification for these different approaches.”

For this reason, Sir Wyn recommends that anyone applying for a compensation scheme who has chosen to have their claim assessed should be allowed to take the fixed sum offer instead up to three months after receiving their first assessed offer. 

He also recommends that the Government should publish a document explaining the ‘best offer principle’ in practice. 

Legal Advice

Sir Wyn criticises the lack of legal advice available to Horizon Shortfall Scheme applicants. 

He writes: “I regard it as unconscionable and wholly unfair that claimants in HSS are unable to obtain legal advice, paid for by the Department, about whether they should opt for the Fixed Sum Offer or assessment of their claims. Yet the Department continues to resist this as if its life depended upon it.”

Considering this, he writes that anyone claiming compensation through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) should be entitled to legal advice, funded by the Department of Business and Trade. 

This would help them choose whether to accept the Fixed Sum Offer or to seek financial address which is assessed. 

Compensation for family members

Through first-hand accounts, Sir Wyn concludes that there are likely a number of close family members of those who have been affected by the Horizon scandal who have “endured and may still endure considerable suffering”.

For this reason, he recommends “that such family members should be able to obtain financial redress which recognises their own suffering.” He writes that the Department should draw up plans for providing this redress. 

Reforms to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme

Sir Wyn also urged for meaningful reforms to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme.

For instance, he proposes that:

  • A senior lawyer should be appointed to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme who can take actions to make sure compensation offers are made and assessed as soon as possible.
  • That the appointed senior lawyer should be given powers to help them ensure that offers are assessed as soon as practicable.
  • The Post Office and Department of Business and Trade should be required to make compensation offers that are equal or higher than the amount recommended by the independent advisory panel.
  • The ‘Best Offer Principle’ should apply for those applying for compensation through the Group Litigation Scheme. This means that if a sub-postmaster appeals their compensation offer and the appeal is successful, they will receive whichever offer is higher.
  • Anyone applying for a compensation scheme who has chosen to have their claim assessed may decide to take the fixed sum offer instead up to three months after receiving their first assessed offer.

Restorative justice 

Restorative justice is the process of bringing together people who have caused harm and those affected by it, so they can discuss the impact, take responsibility, and work collaboratively on making amends. 

Sir Wyn urges that Fujitsu, Post Office and the Government should either together, or separately, publish a report by October 2025, outlining an agreed programme of restorative justice or any actions they have taken to produce this programme. 

Government response 

Understanding the need for swift action, Sir Wyn has decided to publish the first volume of his final report as soon as possible. 

On timings for a government response to these findings, Sir Wyn writes: 

“No purpose would be served by HM Government or the Department delaying consideration of my recommendations until the remainder of my Report is delivered.

“The whole reason for delivering this volume of my report in advance of the remaining volume is that appropriate action in relation to the schemes for redress can be taken as soon as reasonably possible.”

Please note the report contains contents which some may find distressing, including mentions of suicide and self-harm.

The Business and Trade Secretary and the Post Office Minister have issued statements in response to the publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report.

Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families.

“I welcome the publication today and am committed to ensuring wronged subpostmasters are given full, fair and prompt redress.

“The recommendations contained in Sir Wyn’s report require careful reflection, including on further action to complete the redress schemes. Government will promptly respond to the recommendations in full in Parliament.”

Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas, said: “I welcome the Inquiry’s publication today and pay tribute to Sir Wyn and his team for their comprehensive and penetrating work.

“We must never lose sight of the Horizon Scandal’s human impact on postmasters and their families, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.

“Sir Wyn’s report highlights a series of failings by the Post Office and various governments. His recommendations are immensely helpful as a guide for what is needed to finish the job and we will respond in full to Parliament after carefully considering them.”

Initial Government actions in response to the Inquiry:

In his oral statement to Parliament, Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas confirmed that that the Government has accepted Sir Wyn’s recommendation that claimants should be able to bank the best offer they get from the GLO process and should not put it at risk if they choose to go to the independent Panel.

The Minister also confirmed that the Government will provide redress for close family members of those postmasters most adversely affected by the scandal.

From Kyiv to the Kelpies: Dad conquers fear of heights to protect Scotland’s children

A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland’s largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life.

After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children.

Lloyd Gwishiri, Trustee for Children 1st

Lloyd added: “The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.”

He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community.

After joining the Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a “fun and interesting adventure”.

The exciting challenge involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth. 

After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.

Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him.

Lloyd said: “I’m terrified of heights! But I’m quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I’ve seen photographs of the Kelpies, I’ve been planning to go there but I’ve never seen the Kelpies in person.

“It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

Lloyd’s experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland’s children and keep them safe from harm.

Lloyd added: “I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity.

“So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity’s help can get it.”

Mary Glasgow said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the challenge.

“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.

“Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child’s life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”

To sign up to the Kelpies’ Challenge and support Children First can visit http://childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.

Understanding women’s experience of justice

‘Reducing re-traumatisation will promote equality’ – report

Work to reduce the re-traumatisation of victims and witnesses of crime will help promote equality in Scotland’s justice system, according to some of the most senior women leaders in the sector.

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan from Police Scotland and Jen Ang of the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre are among eight co-authors of an independent report that aims to help give policy-makers and agencies a clearer understanding of how women’s experiences of justice differs from men and what can be done to improve those experiences.

Commissioned through the Women in Justice Leadership Panel, the report brings together evidence gathered from across Scotland’s justice system. Its findings conclude that supporting women in ways which met their individual needs could have a powerful impact of on their perception of justice – leading to greater trust in the system.  

The conclusions back Scottish Government-funded work already underway to embed trauma-informed practice across the justice system – a key aim of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The report is being shared with the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, which advises the First Minister on how to tackle gender inequality in Scotland.  

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “I am grateful to the senior female leaders in Scotland’s justice sector who have taken the time to examine the system in the round.

“Their report puts forward the case for policy-making within justice that reflects women’s various social identities, such as race, disability or religion, so that their experiences can be improved.

“I thank everyone who contributed to the report, since it is their specialist knowledge and testimonies which have provided a clear and unambiguous foundation to inform and influence key justice partners and beyond.

“The conclusions are owned by the Panel members, who will use their influence and positions to effect change. These findings will help the Scottish Government change and deliver a justice sector which is truly responsive to the needs of women and girls.”

Read ’The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice’ 

Virtual reality helping victims to understand courtroom process

Victims and witnesses are set to use virtual reality headsets to familiarise themselves with giving evidence in court as part of a pioneering Scottish Government initiative to allay fears or discomfort around the process.

Ahead of giving evidence in court, the world-leading £500,000 virtual court project will allow victims to ‘walk through’ a 3-dimensional world, comprising actual videos of the court building where their case will be held. The system uses cutting-edge software to allow victims and witnesses to interact in a virtual environment that includes depictions of the people and objects they can expect to encounter when they go to court.

The project will enable victims and witnesses to be supported at all times by Victim Support Scotland (VSS) volunteers as they experience the virtual court environment. This will remove the need to travel to court prior to their hearing date, while allowing people to familiarise themselves with what can be an unfamiliar, daunting and often retraumatising environment.

The project – a partnership between VSS, tech provider Immersonal and CivTech, the world’s first successful public-sector-focused innovation accelerator – has delivered a working prototype for Glasgow Sheriff Court and the High Court in Glasgow with wider development and roll out over the next year. 

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “We continue to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system, their needs are an absolute priority.

“However victims and witnesses can naturally find giving evidence a daunting prospect. This unique project, using innovative technology to support and prepare victims for attending court, could prove transformative.

“It has the potential to reduce anxiety and additional trauma, and also reduces the need to travel often long distances for victims to familiarise themselves with a new environment before experiencing it ‘in real life’.

“We hope that this will reduce retraumatisation and anxiety, supporting victims to give the highest quality evidence.

“This project is part of the Scottish Government‘s wider work that has seen more than £93 million invested through the justice budget over the past five years to prioritise victims’ rights and needs. Our Victim Centred Approach Fund continues this important commitment, making £48 million available to victims’ organisations.”

Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland Kate Wallace said: “Victims and witnesses often tell us of the retraumatising effects caused by giving evidence in court and that it can cause as much anxiety as the crime itself. 

“Victim Support Scotland strongly advocates for victims being able to give evidence remotely and in trauma-informed environments. 

“This virtual reality experience will provide just that and can be accessed through a headset available with the help of volunteers from Victim Support Scotland, as well as through laptops, smart phones and tablets thereby offering more choice and access about how to prepare for court at a time and place that suits the victim.”

Trauma framework launched

Minister for Mental Health, Maureen Watt has launched a new training resource to help meet the needs of people affected by trauma and abuse. The National Knowledge and Skills Framework for Trauma is designed to support people working in the public and third sectors in Scotland to support those affected by trauma, their families, carers and supporters. Continue reading Trauma framework launched