A Path to Healing: The Horizon IT Inquiry Report and the Call for Restorative Justice
The Horizon scandal has left an indelible mark on the UK, shattering thousands of lives and standing as one of the gravest miscarriages of justice in modern British history. It is a stark reminder of how institutional failures can devastate not just individuals, but entire communities. However, amidst this tragedy lies a powerful opportunity—not merely for financial compensation, but for genuine reconciliation and healing.
The recent publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry Report is a landmark moment. This comprehensive document not only seeks accountability for the vast injustices faced by victims, but it also serves as a crucial step towards integrating restorative justice as a meaningful response to institutional harm. For the first time in a major public inquiry, the concept of restorative justice is not just suggested; it is formally recommended. This signifies a pivotal shift towards acknowledging the multidimensional nature of the harm inflicted on individuals and communities.
At its core, the report asserts a bold truth: financial compensation alone is insufficient to mend the profound emotional, relational, and social wounds endured by those wrongfully accused and criminalised. It highlights the necessity of providing victims with a platform to share their stories and be heard. I truly believe that “For every person affected by this tragedy, the path to healing must begin with being heard. Restorative justice creates space for those harmed to tell their story and allows those in positions of power to truly listen and respond.”
A Call for Restorative Action: Recommendation 19
Crucially, Recommendation 19 of the inquiry urges the Post Office, Fujitsu, and the Department for Business and Trade to publish a report by 31 October 2025. This report must outline any agreed restorative justice programmes or initiatives aimed at healing the harm caused by the Horizon scandal. This recommendation marks a significant acknowledgement that justice must transcend mere monetary recompense; it must encompass moral redress through truth-telling, apologies, and the restoration of dignity and trust.
The inquiry reveals that the ramifications of the Horizon scandal extend far beyond individual victims. Families were torn apart, communities lost trusted figures, and a public institution suffered a significant loss of credibility. As the report emphasises, this is a collective harm that calls for a collective response. Recommendation 18 specifically advocates for redress for family members who suffered serious adverse consequences, thereby reinforcing a core restorative value: true justice involves repairing relationships and addressing the societal fabric that was disrupted.
Understanding the Broader Impact
The chapter on Human Impact within the inquiry report draws on 17 detailed case studies, bringing to light the cascading effects of the scandal. These accounts convey not only individual suffering but also the extensive ripple of harm that has affected spouses, children, elderly parents, and entire communities. The report validates a longstanding understanding amongst restorative practitioners: repairing harm requires a deeply personal and relational response, not solely legal or financial actions.
Given the RJC’s UK-wide remit, we were pleased to see recognition of the unique challenges faced by victims in Northern Ireland and Scotland. This highlights the need for a culturally responsive approach to restorative justice across the UK. Different legal systems and, in some cases, prolonged delays in achieving justice necessitate tailored responses that respect the distinct contexts of all affected individuals.
From Crisis to Ethical Reform
Accompanying its focus on victims, the report also sets the stage for long-term structural reform. Recommendations 17 and 18 propose mechanisms for timely and ethical responses to future public injustices, which closely align with the preventative vision of restorative justice. The Restorative Justice Council sees the potential to embed restorative practices within public institutions, ensuring that when harm occurs, the response is not solely legal but also ethical and relational.
If implemented with integrity, the recommendations in this report could redefine standards for how institutions handle harm. It is crucial that these bodies engage not with defensiveness or silence but with openness, dialogue, and courage. The inquiry reveals deep suffering that demands more than transactional justice; it requires a restorative approach that is face-to-face, emotionally intelligent, and grounded in moral accountability.
A Vision for the Future
The profound insights highlighted by the Horizon inquiry open the door to designing a national restorative justice program that is inclusive, survivor-led, and centred around the needs of those affected by the scandal. Supporting victims in securing compensation and clearing their names is not enough; it is equally vital to assist them in reclaiming their dignity and sharing their truths on their own terms.
Now is the time for collective action—a moment to transform the trauma of the past into a force for restorative change. By embracing the principles outlined in the Inquiry Report, we can ensure that the lessons learned from the Horizon scandal serve as a catalyst for a fairer, more compassionate society, one where healing and accountability walk hand in hand.