IPSOs IN THE UK
Horizon Redress Schemes Research
The Horizon scandal has deeply affected postmasters across the UK. Redress schemes were set up to provide financial redress to postmasters as part of acknowledging the harm done.
Research being done for the government by the independent research agency Ipsos in the UK aims to gather experiences of these schemes. We understand the significant financial and emotional toll this scandal has taken, and we are committed to listening to experiences with sensitivity and respect. If you have been involved with the schemes, your feedback is vital for improving the current schemes and shaping the design of future redress programmes. This research is a chance to make your voice heard.
Select a redress scheme to find out more about the research
Overturned Convictions Scheme
The Overturned Convictions (OC) Scheme is intended to provide redress for individuals whose Horizon-related convictions were overturned by the courts.
Horizon Shortfall Scheme and appeals process
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) is intended to provide redress to sub-postmasters who suffered financial losses due to Horizon system errors but were not criminally convicted or part of the 2019 Group Litigation Order.
Horizon Conviction Redress Scheme
The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) is intended to provide redress to individuals whose convictions were overturned by the 2024 legislation.
Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme
The Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme was developed to provide redress to sub-postmasters who suffered financial losses due to the Horizon system errors. This scheme is specifically for those involved in the action ‘Alan Bates and Others v Post Office Ltd’ pursued under a Group Litigation Order, who do not have a Horizon-related conviction.
Capture Redress Scheme
The Capture Redress Scheme is intended to provide redress for individuals who suffered shortfalls due to the use of the Capture software which was installed in some Post Office branches between 1992 and 2000.
Who we are
About Ipsos
Ipsos in the UK is one of the UK’s leading research and evaluation organisations, with more than 300 specialists working in our social research team alone. We partner with government, charities and other organisations to design and deliver high-quality evaluations that inform policy, improve services and amplify people’s voices.
Ipsos in the UK’s research team brings particular expertise in evaluating complex and sensitive programmes – from domestic abuse services and refugee integration schemes to counter-extremism interventions and public health initiatives. Across these projects, we have developed approaches that combine rigorous methods with a deep awareness of the ethical and emotional dimensions of research.
WHO WE ARE
Meet the team
Ipsos in the UK’s research team brings particular expertise in evaluating complex and sensitive programmes – from domestic abuse services and refugee integration schemes to counter-extremism interventions and public health initiatives. Across these projects, we have developed approaches that combine rigorous methods with a deep awareness of the ethical and emotional dimensions of research.
The background
The Horizon scandal and how it fits into our research
The Horizon system, a software program implemented by the Post Office, contained errors that led to unexplained accounting discrepancies in numerous branches. Tragically, sub-postmasters were held responsible for these shortfalls, resulting in severe financial hardship, reputational damage, and, in some cases, wrongful criminal convictions. Many postmasters faced devastating consequences, including bankruptcy, loss of homes, and imprisonment. This research focuses on the various redress schemes established to address these injustices and aims to learn from people’s experiences to improve the redress process.
Postmasters Insight Network
The Postmasters Insight Network will be a group of sub-postmasters with personal experience of the HSS, HCRS, OC and GLO schemes. The panel will include up to 12 people and will be supported by senior staff from Ipsos in the UK.
The PIN’s role is to meet occasionally throughout the study to inform how each evaluation is designed, delivered and reported. Having input from people who have claimed or are claiming under the Horizon redress schemes will help guide the team to deliver effective research that recognises claimants’ experiences. Members of the PIN do not need to know anything about research or evaluation or have done anything like this previously. The Ipsos research team will provide the guidance and support needed to be able to contribute.
The PIN will help the study team explore how well or not the redress schemes are working by:
Contributing to decision-making about the design of the evaluations and about how the evaluations should run, helping decide how to respond to challenges and opportunities.
Reviewing and commenting on draft research materials (e.g. interview topic guides) and outputs (reports, presentations or other formats) – this may be done before the meetings.
Guiding the study team on how people with experience of the issues might see the study and assisting with sharing the outputs with relevant networks, organisations or individuals.
Being part of the PIN is a real opportunity to improve current and future redress schemes and ensure government is fulfilling its objectives. Taking part is voluntary; you can opt out at any point and can skip meetings if needed.
Ipsos in the UK will provide a recognition payment for everything that members do take part in.
For more information or to register interest, please get in touch with us: