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From: Mark R Davies[/O=MMS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=MARK R DAVIESA80D7269-659B-4 1 D0-9C80-
68D9DE4FA7C5D38]
Sent: Sun 07/07/2013 12:10:18 PM (UTC)
To: Hugh Flemington} _
Ce: Susan Crichtonf”
Subject: Re: SS
In terms od release of media statement, hopefully jointly with JA at 6pm tomorrow
Sent from my iPhone
On 7 Jul 2013, at 13:08, "Hugh Flemington" wrote:
> Agree
> Think we were trying to just check there were only these two things to do!
>
D> nee Original Message -----
> From: Mark R Davies
> Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2013 11:59 AM
> To: Susan Crichton
> Cc: Hugh Flemington
> Subject: Re: SS
>
>I think they must be absolutely the same thing. Anything we give AB essentially becomes public.
>
> Does that make sense?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On7 Jul 2013, at 11:03, "Susan Crichton"
>
>> Mark - just so that we are clear we need to approve/ comment on the
>> - Paula email "the way forward" which is to go to AB/JFSA later today
>> - Press release to the world at large tomorrow - do we have a view as to when this should be released
>> Both of these need to tie together.
>>
>> Is that your understanding
>>
>> Susan
>>
wrote:
>> From: Mark R Davies
>> Sent: 07 July 2013 09:20
>> To: Susan Crichton
>> Subject: SS
>>
>> Susan
>>
>> Latest statement which Paula wants to share with AB today, so if you are able to have a look would be very grateful!
>
>> Mark
>>
>>
>> Statement
>>
>>
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>> The Post Office today issued the following statement in response to the publication of an interim report into alleged
problems with the Horizon computer system which is used to record transactions in the post office branch network.
>>
>> The report is being published by an external firm, Second Sight, who were commissioned by the Post Office last year.
The interim report is based on a review of four of 47 cases being considered.
>
>> The report confirms that no systemic problems have been found in relation to the Horizon system, but suggests that
the Post Office should examine its support and training processes for subpostmasters.
>>
>> Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells said:
>>
>> "We commissioned this independent review to address concerns that have been raised about the Horizon system and
while we do not accept all of its content or conclusions, we welcome its publication.
>>
>> "The Post Office is committed to supporting its people and improving the way we do so.The interim review makes
clear that the Horizon computer system functions effectively across our network. As the review notes, it is used by around
68,000 people in more than 11,500 branches, successfully processing more than six million transactions every day. The
review underlines our cause for confidence in the system.
>>
>> "It does however raise questions about the training and support we have offered to subpostmasters and we are
determined to address these issues.
>>
>> "The people who work in the post office network in communities across the country are the lifeblood of our business
and we take our responsibilities to them very seriously.
>
>> "We therefore regret very much any concerns we may have caused to any subpostmaster who has felt that our
standards of support or training have not met their needs, and we are grateful to James Arbuthnot MP and the Justice for
Subpostmasters Alliance for raising these issues with us.
>>
>> "In many of these cases I am confident that steps have already been taken which have improved support and training
but we are always open to new ways of improving how we do business to ensure the Post Office remains as trusted and
effective in its communities as it ever was.
>>
>> "So we will make further improvements in this area and take better account of individual requirements and
circumstances going forward."
>>
>> The Post Office is proposing to respond to the Second Sight report with three new initiatives aimed at addressing
historic issues, improving future processes and examining potential structural changes to support subpostmasters:
>>
>> 1. The creation of a working party to work collaboratively to complete the review of past cases started by Second
Sight last year. This would examine the themes identified by Second Sight and consider all cases brought forward by the
JFSA and MPs, and any new themes which emerge. The JFSA will be invited to join this working party. Its report would
be completed by the autumn. (The Post Office commits to take any necessary or relevant action resulting from these
reviews).
>>
>> 2. A review chaired by an independent figure to determine how an independent safety net might be introduced to
adjudicate in disputed cases in the future. The JFSA would be invited to take part in this review. The review would be
responsible for working to agree scope and Terms of Reference for this role or function.
>>
>> 3. A new Branch User Forum to provide a way for subpostmasters and others to raise concerns around business
processes, training and support at the highest level. It will be chaired by a member of our Executive Committee and
report to that committee. A key task for this forum will be to review support processes and training to ensure they meet
the standards expected of the Post Office.
>>
>> Ms Vennells added: “We are determined to learn from the Second Sight review and hope the action we are already
taking in response will demonstrate our commitment to continually improving the way we support all those who work in
our unrivalled branch network.
>>
>> "While we as a business must take action when there is evidence of wrongdoing, I do want to ensure that there are
avenues available for subpostmasters to take which could in certain circumstances avoid legal proceedings."
>>
>>
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>> Sent from my iPad