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From:
Sent:
To:
Ce:
Subject: RE: Follow up
Rodric
Set out below is an outline of what we think the Deloitte report should, ideally, say. In the time available we have not
been able to provide a great deal of detail for this outline nor had much opportunity to reflect on whether the report
could or should cover other or additional ground. We are happy to discuss this further with you tomorrow.
As discussed earlier today, when considering what approach to take in producing the next draft, we suggest Deloitte
- use non-specialised language that the layman, including SPMRs and MPs and any other interested parties, can
understand;
- should not only describe processes but reach conclusions wherever possible about the adequacy and
appropriateness of the relevant processes;
- not treat the report as an audit — it should be as positive as possible so that where there are deficiencies that must be
covered, they should be explained, contextualised and/or neutralised where possible;
- avoid making recommendations - they are not necessary nor appropriate in this context;
- need not produce a lengthy report and ideally the report should be kept as concise as possible, including by setting
out non-essential and background material in appendices.
Do let me know if you have any questions. We are happy to refine this outline in conjunction with Deloitte to ensure
that what we are suggesting is both achievable and capable of producing the type of report suited to the Post Office's
needs
Kind regards
Jonathan
Introduction
- Include a precise description of instructions and contextualise with reference to the Mediation Scheme.
Methodology
- Explain the methodology used.
- Justify methodology by reference to industry standards/expectations and why other methodologies are not possible/
do not work (e.g. why end-to-end full functionality testing is not possible).
Description of Horizon system
- General description.
- Detailed description of aspects of the system the subject of review.
Analysis/assessment of assurance work
- Outline the key aspects of Horizon, and the assurance work relevant to those aspects, which is under review by
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reference to the subject matter of complaints in the Scheme. These are the 1) SPMR/ Data Centre “handshake 2)
write once/ read many times audit store 3) data centre and the inability for transactions unilaterally to be created within
it
- Cover any other aspects of Horizon the testing of which is necessary to provide confidence in Horizon by reference to
the range of complaints in the Scheme [Post Office is probably best placed to confirm if there are any such other
aspects, although we are happy to discuss that with you.]
- Analysis/testing of the assurance work in respect of each aspect under review.
Conclusions
- Conclusions on each of the aspects of Horizon that have been tested/ the assurance work that has been tested
- Any broader conclusions that can be drawn about how Horizon operates.
Appendices
- Instructions/engagement letter.
- Assurance documentation reviewed.
- Other documentation reviewed.
- Any other background material that is not directly related to the analysis/ conclusions or otherwise need not go into
the body of the report.
From: Rodric William:
Sent: 28 May 2014 15:13
To: Swil, Jonathan
Cc: Chris Aujard; Band, Christa
Subject: Follow up
Jonathan,
Following on from our conversation earlier today, I attach:
- Deloitte’s (draft) Board Update, which preceded the full (draft) Report you have seen; and
- A“FactFile” prepared by POL, which provides an overview of the Horizon system and Post Office's branch
trading practices, and may assist in describing the system which Deloitte was asked to review.
Our CEO is concerned about the time available to knock Deloitte’s work into shape. Can you please therefore get to
us by close of play today the structure/outline you would like it to take, so as to maximise the time available to
Deloitte to repackage their findings.
With thanks for your assistance,
Rod
Rodric Williams I Litigation Lawyer
® 148 Old Street, LONDON, EC1V 9HQ
©
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