Former Post Office HR Director Testifies in Horizon IT Scandal Inquiry

Chris Aujard, the former HR director of the Post Office, recently testified before the Horizon IT Scandal inquiry, shedding light on key decisions made by top executives regarding the prosecution of subpostmasters. Aujard revealed that in 2013, he had recommended to the Post Office Executive Committee that they should stop prosecuting subpostmasters, citing his personal and professional views that criminal prosecutions were not the appropriate way to deal with such matters.

According to Aujard's testimony, the Executive Committee initially agreed with his recommendation. However, just a week later, Post Office CEO Paula Vennells reportedly went against this decision, stating that the Post Office should continue with limited prosecutions as a deterrent. This contradicted the agreement made in the previous Executive Committee meeting.

During the inquiry, Aujard was also questioned about his failure to provide important information about bugs and security issues in the Horizon IT system to the Post Office's legal firm. Additionally, he was asked about his attempts to restrict the scope of the Second Sight investigation into the Horizon system and Post Office business processes.

Why this matters: The Horizon IT Scandal has had far-reaching consequences for hundreds of subpostmasters who were wrongfully convicted of theft and fraud due to flaws in the Horizon system. Aujard's testimony provides insight into the decision-making process at the highest levels of the Post Office and raises questions about the organization's handling of the scandal.

The inquiry has previously heard that more than 900 subpostmasters were convicted for theft and fraud between 1999 and 2015 after the flawed Horizon IT system made it appear as though they were stealing money. The article suggests that Aujard had the power to do the right thing but instead seemed focused on managing the investigation away from the truth, at the Post Office's instruction.

Aujard's testimony is part of the ongoing Horizon IT Scandal inquiry, which aims to uncover the truth behind the wrongful convictions of subpostmasters. As the inquiry continues, more evidence is expected to come to light regarding the role of top Post Office executives in the scandal. "The inquiry has also heard that more than 900 subpostmasters were convicted for theft and fraud between 1999 and 2015 after the flawed Horizon IT system made it look like they were stealing money," highlighting the scale of the miscarriage of justice.

Key Takeaways

• Chris Aujard, ex-HR director, recommended stopping prosecutions of subpostmasters in 2013.
• Post Office CEO Paula Vennells overruled this decision, continuing limited prosecutions as a deterrent.
• Aujard failed to provide info about Horizon IT system bugs to Post Office's legal firm.
• Aujard tried to restrict the scope of the Second Sight investigation into Horizon issues.
• Over 900 subpostmasters were wrongfully convicted due to Horizon IT system flaws from 1999-2015.