The first part of the Post Office inquiry's final report has been published without naming those responsible for the Horizon scandal. Sir Wyn Williams, the inquiry chairman, chose to focus initially on the devastating human impact rather than attributing blame.
Sir Wyn said the human consequences of the scandal "should be placed at the forefront" of his final report. He decided it was crucial to publish his findings on this aspect as quickly as possible rather than waiting for the complete investigation to conclude.
Compensation findings released first
The chairman elected to release his conclusions on compensation processes and the catastrophic impact on subpostmasters on Tuesday. His findings on who was at fault for overseeing the scandal are expected to follow in the coming months.
That forthcoming report is expected to examine the role of Post Office bosses who presided over the scandal. This includes former chief executive Paula Vennells, a former priest who became a central figure in the controversy.
Vennells admits to mistakes
Ms Vennells previously told the inquiry she was "too trusting" and had "no sense there was any conspiracy at all". However, she also admitted she made "mistakes" during her time leading the organisation.
The first tranche did offer a glimpse of Sir Wyn's broader conclusions about the scandal. He stated that Post Office bosses should have known Horizon was faulty but "maintained the fiction that its data was always accurate".
Human impact prioritised
In the introduction to his report, Sir Wyn explained his decision to prioritise the human element. He wrote: "I have formed the view that the impact upon those affected, the 'human impact', should be placed at the forefront of my report to the minister."
The chairman said this approach seemed natural when combined with his assessment of compensation attempts. He evaluated efforts by the Post Office, the minister and the Department to provide redress that is "full, fair and prompt" to those affected.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
