POL00144871
POL00144871
From: Parsons, Andrew{,
Sent: Thur 27/06/2013 8:
32 PM (UTC)
To: Rodric Williams
Subject: RE: POL - Horizon issues
Rodric
The issue manifested in around 2011 and those SPMRs that suffered sizeable errors (ie. Ones that were easy to
spot) reported the issue immediately.
However as it was only a few branches, Chesterfield didn't see the pattern in the errors for over 12 months. It
was only as more issues were raised and no individual branch by branch explanation could be found, that
someone (not sure who) realised that it could be an error in Horizon affecting multiple branches.
T presume that it then took time to engage Fujitsu; investigate the technical causes and determine the effect of the
causes; etc.
I'm happy to speak to Andy Winn tomorrow to get more details if that would help?
Kind regards
Andy
Andrew Parsons
Senior Associate
Bond Dickinson LLP
Blackberry:
cesceeee Original message
From: Rodric Williams <t
Date: 27/06/2013 20:15
To: "Parsons, Andrew" <i_
Subject: RE: POL - Horizon issues
Thanks again.
When we discussed this yesterday, you mentioned this might have been kicking around for c. 12 months.
Can you give me a couple of bullet points on when this first came up and what POL did next?
Kind regards, Rod
POL00144871
POL00144871
From: Parsons, Andre\
Sent: 27 June 2013 19:43
To: Rodric Williams
Cc: Ben Thorp
Subject: RE: POL - Horizon issues
Rodric
As discussed, please find attached a version of the letter for those SPMRs who are currently not aware of the situation.
Kind regards
Andy
Andrew Parsons
Senior Associate
for and on behalf of Bond Dickinson LLP
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www.bonddickinson.com
From: Parsons, Andrew
Sent: 27 June 2013 17:51
POL00144871
POL00144871
To: Rodric Williams
Cc: 'Ben Thorp’
Subject: RE: POL - Horizon issues
Rodric
I've reviewed the SPMR letters. I've attached mark-ups of two of the letters which show the suggested amendments
that should be made across all the letters.
The amendments are:
To insert an opening paragraph that explains POL's investigation and highlights the fact that we have sought to protect
SPMRs from any harm in the interim period.
To remove the word "problem" and to replace this with the less dramatic word: "issue".
I don't think we should apologise in the letters. I know this sounds hard but in apologising we are admitting some
degree of culpability. I think we should maintain a more cold, procedural approach to correcting what is effectively an
accounting irregularity.
In some circumstances it appears that the error caused a transaction record from a former SPMR at a branch to be
carried over into the records of a later SPMR at the same branch. In my view this is a dangerous admission, as the
complete separation between SPMR records is a cornerstone principle of ensuring Horizon's integrity. Although this
has happened and is completely explainable, I don't think we ever want to expressly document this.
I considered removing some of the technical language around what caused the error. However, on reflection, I think
this level of detail displays transparency and the robustness of POL's approach (even if the SPMRs don't fully
understand it)
Kind regards
Andy
Andrew Parsons
Senior Associate
for and on behalf of Bond Dickinson LLP
Ned Hidkdi
POL00144871
POL00144871
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From: Ben Thorp... GRO
Sent: 25 June 2013 11:14
To: Parsons, Andrew
Ce: Rodric Williams
Subject: POL - Horizon issues
Andrew
By way of very brief introduction, my name is Ben Thorp. I am a Bond Dickinson secondee (from the
Newcastle office) currently working with Rodric Williams in POL’s Legal team for the next few weeks.
We have received the attached query from the business regarding historical issues a very limited number of
branches had with Horizon. POL intends to refund any losses caused by these issues, but not seek to recover
any gains.
Could you please review the letters and let Rodric and me have any comments you may have, particularly in the
context of the Spot Reviews?
If you would like to discuss anything arising from your review, please do give either Rodric or me a call.
Kind regards,
Ben
POL00144871
POL00144871
Ben Thorp I Legal I Tel. :
1* Floor, 148 Old Street, London EC1V 9HQ
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