An external investigation launched on behalf of the Post Office has cleared its CEO, Nick Read, of allegations of misconduct. The company’s board has given its full support to Read in the wake of the investigation. The government has also indicated its confidence in his leadership. The charges were brought to the attention of a parliamentary inquiry regarding compensation for sub-postmasters in the wake of the Post Office Horizon scandal. Former company Chairman Henry Staunton told the inquiry that the former HR boss of the Post Office had made allegations against Read, centered on his management of governance and compliance, as well as his overall conduct. Staunton also claimed that Read had tried to quit his position four times and had demanded a higher salary than what he was offered.
However, the Post Office dismissed Staunton’s accusations as inaccurate and false. A compiled report by Marianne Tutin, a barrister from Devereux Chambers, exonerated Read of all the allegations made against him. The investigation was launched following a whistleblowing report known as “Speak Up.” The company has not released the document and has refused to provide any further details regarding the accusations. It has stated that such matters should not be made public, and that the public debasement of the whistleblowing process is unacceptable. Post Office management has committed to continuing an internal investigative process, with the promise that all future claims will receive due attention, no matter who the accused is.
Read’s position as the Post Office’s CEO is no longer in question, and he will continue to lead the company as it charts a course forward. The Horizon scandal marked an embarrassing chapter for the Post Office, necessitating a period of public adjustment for the company. The scandal centered around the introduction of a new accounting system that left sub-postmasters with significant shortfalls. The resolution of the litigation required a substantial compensation payout to those affected, which has been calculated to be as high as £57 million. However, the Post Office has made amends, and the cloud that hung over the company’s reputation has since lifted
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