One year of In Your Own Words: Listening to the human stories at the heart of the Horizon scandal
By Teema Nicholls, Head of Engagement at the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
As we mark the one-year anniversary of In Your Own Words, I find myself reflecting deeply on how this project has enriched our understanding of the human stories at the heart of the Horizon IT scandal.
As the Head of the Engagement Team, it has been an incredibly moving and humbling experience to witness the courage and perseverance of so many individuals who have shared their stories with us.
What is In Your Own Words?
In Your Own Words is a platform which aims to amplify the voices of those affected by the Horizon IT scandal and create a fuller picture of those effects.
One year in, I believe that it has not only served that purpose but has evolved into something much more personal and impactful.
At the launch of In Your Own Words last year, Sir Wyn made clear the importance of human stories to this Inquiry saying:
“The evidence I heard at the start of my Inquiry painted a very vivid picture of the pain and suffering that many endured as a result of decisions taken on the basis of Horizon. But I know that many more people have been affected either directly or indirectly. Submissions I have received on the subject of compensation also tell me that the impacts on many people's lives continue to unfold, often with very grave consequences. These stories must be brought into the light.”
From the very beginning, we knew that gathering personal testimonies was not just about collecting facts.
So many of the individuals we’ve worked with have faced unimaginable hardship: wrongful convictions, damaged reputations, broken relationships, financial ruin, and severe emotional distress.
These stories have broadened our comprehension of the scandal and built upon what we heard in the Inquiry’s Human Impact Hearings.
The pain and devastation expressed in many accounts has been eye-opening and heartbreaking.
What I've learned
Over the past year, we’ve heard from over 300 people and each story has added depth to our understanding of the human cost of the Horizon scandal.
We’ve learned that the impact of this scandal goes beyond the immediate and obvious. It has torn at the very fabric of families, communities, and personal identities. The emotional toll is immense, and for many, the damage continues to this day.
It has also impacted the pride many feel in their place of work, and as result their sense of self.
The resilience of those affected has been nothing short of inspiring and has also made me more committed to ensuring that their voices remain at the heart of the Inquiry’s work.
“I lost my business, my savings, my standing in the community, my self-respect, my future. I feel shattered. My life will never be the same again.” - Anonymous respondent to In Your Own Words.
Why I think it’s important for people to share their story
When people come forward to share their stories, they often speak of how difficult it is to revisit those painful moments and for many they continue to feel the lasting impacts.
For some, the very act of speaking out is a form of catharsis, a way of reclaiming their narrative after years of silence.
For others, it’s a chance to ensure that no one else experiences what they have been through.
We have also heard about what the future means to those impacted, and about their hope that compensation and the Inquiry will help them move forward with their lives.
“You are not alone. And I only wish we knew years earlier there were others suffering like ourselves because I would have reached out and said you are not alone.” - Anonymous respondent to In Your Own Words.
For me, the most significant moments have been those when individuals share how the project has helped them feel seen and acknowledged.
This is not just about gathering testimonies — it’s about giving people the space to process their experiences, to be supported, and to know that they are not alone.
Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak, and I’ve been deeply moved by how the sharing of these personal stories has begun to foster a sense of solidarity and understanding among those affected.
It’s clear to me that, through this process, we are not just documenting a historical injustice - we are helping to build a future where people may begin to heal or a find a conclusion that is meaningful for them. We acknowledge that for some people, the idea of healing or conclusion is elusive, as they await compensation or answers.
In the past year, we’ve also been able to begin compiling some of the key insights from these stories, particularly regarding the impact of the scandal on families and relationships.
“Please, please, stand up and tell your story. Reliving it all may be extremely painful, but the more the rest of us hear about it, the better the chance of justice being done” - Anonymous respondent to In Your Own Words.
As a team, we’ve been working to ensure that these findings are shared more widely, so that the true extent of the harm is fully understood and acknowledged.
Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing the work of In Your Own Words, ensuring that those who have not yet shared their experiences can do so. Whether you are a former or current sub-postmaster, a family member, friend, a community member, or an employee of an institution linked to the Horizon scandal, you can still share your story with us, if you feel able.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their stories, we look forward to continuing this important work.
