Key documents
This page contains the key documents produced during the statutory phase of the inquiry as well as a list of archived documents from the non-statutory phase.
Protocols
Protocol for Warning Letters
This document sets out a Protocol for Warning Letters pursuant to The Inquiry Rules 2006.
Protocol for Providing Oral Evidence at Hearings
This Protocol sets out how the Inquiry will approach oral hearings and the questioning of witnesses.
Protocol on Witness Statements
UPDATED on 29/04/22: This Protocol sets out the approach that will be taken by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry to the taking of witness statements.
Protocol on Redaction, Anonymity and Restriction Orders
UPDATED on 21/09/21: This protocol sets out the approach that will be taken by the Inquiry to redaction of information from documents, anonymity and Restriction Orders.
Core Participant Protocol
This document explains what a Core Participant is and the rules governing applications to be designated a Core Participant in this Inquiry.
Protocol on the disclosure of documents
This Protocol sets out the approach that will be taken by the Inquiry to the disclosure of documents to the Inquiry.
Protocol on the role of the assessors
This document describes the role of an assessor and the powers of the Chair in relation to the appointment of assessors.
Costs protocol relating to legal representation at public expense
This document sets out regulations around costs, expenses and funding for the Inquiry.
Notices
UPDATED on 02/12: Notice on recording, live broadcasting and the use of electronic equipment
A notice setting out what kind of recordings and equipment will be allowed during Inquiry hearings.
Written Submissions for the Preliminary Hearing on 8 November 2021
Written submissions received by the Inquiry ahead of the Preliminary Hearing on 8 November 2021.
Notice of Preliminary Hearing
Notice of Preliminary Hearing on 8 November 2021, 11:00 – 4:00 Venue: to be confirmed
Statement of Approach 004
This document provides updates and information regarding the conversion of the Inquiry to a statutory inquiry under s.15 of the Inquiries Act 2005.
Provisional List of Issues
This document identifies a provisional list of issues and key themes on which the Inquiry intends to focus its investigative work.
Restriction Orders
Restriction Order - 3 February 2022 - as varied 15 June 2022
An order granting anonymity to certain individuals designated as Core Participants to the Inquiry.
General Restriction Order - 24 November 2021
A general restriction order relating to the disclosure or publication of any evidence or documents given, produced or provided to the Inquiry.
UPDATED on 02/12: Restriction Order - 2 November 2021
This order by the Chair of the Inquiry will ensure that evidence given to the Inquiry in oral hearings remains confidential until published by the Inquiry.
Guidance
Expenses Guidance
This document outlines what expenses participants can claim for when attending the Inquiry hearings and how to submit a claim.
Policies
Appropriate Policy
This document outlines how the Inquiry will protect special category and criminal convictions personal data.
Core Participants
Named Core Participants and their recognised legal representatives
This document outlines the named core participants and their recognised legal representatives.
Phases of the Inquiry
In his announcement published 21 December 2021, the Chair confirmed that the Inquiry would be approaching the hearings in phases. Since that announcement, the Inquiry has commenced hearings relating to the human impact of the Horizon IT System (Horizon).
The Inquiry confirms that it will approach its work according to the phases outlined below:
Phase 1 Human Impact: the human impact suffered by those adversely affected by Horizon.
Phase 2 Horizon IT System: procurement, design, pilot, roll out and modifications.
Phase 3 Operation: training, assistance, resolution of disputes, knowledge and rectification of errors in the system.
Phase 4 Action against Sub-postmasters and others: policy making, audits and investigations, civil and criminal proceedings, knowledge of and responsibility for failures in investigation and disclosure.
Phase 5 Redress: access to justice, Second Sight, Complaint Review and Mediation Scheme, conduct of the group litigation, responding to the scandal and compensation schemes.
Phase 6 Governance: monitoring of Horizon, contractual arrangements, internal and external audit, technical competence, stakeholder engagement, oversight and whistleblowing.
Phase 7 Current practice and procedure and recommendations for the future.
Archived Documents
This section contains documents created and published when the inquiry was in the non-statutory phase (29 September 2020 - 31 May 2021). These documents are kept for historical relevance. Information and documentation about the statutory phase of the inquiry is found at the top of this page.
Statement of Approach 001 - participant engagement methods
Statement of Approach 002 - information handling and publication approach
