Exeter researchers win national award after uncovering Post Office scandal

A team of University of Exeter researchers have been recognised nationally for their vital efforts in aiding Post Office scandal victims.

The group won the “Outstanding Societal Impact” prize at the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Celebrating Impact Prize 2024.

The awards honour and commend ESRC-funded academics who have made a significant contribution through exceptional research, knowledge exchange activities, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement.

At the forefront of this campaign for justice has been the Exeter research team, which was led by Professor Richard Moorhead, Dr. Rebecca Helm, Sally Day, Dr. Karen Nokes, and Paul Gilbert.

Errors in the Post Office’s Horizon computer system led to UK sub-postmasters being falsely accused of crimes such as fraud and theft, resulting in wrongful convictions, job losses, and financial ruin.

The research led to a blanket exoneration, helping victims rebuild their lives and exposing how poor legal counsel and lawyer misconduct worsened the issue. It further highlighted the severe emotional and mental toll of false accusations, including stress and trauma for victims. Additionally, it prompted the Legal Services Board to improve regulations on lawyer conduct and ethics.

The ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize is now in its 12^th year. The team received a £10,000 prize to help continue their important work, expand their research, and promote their findings even further.

This prize honours the Post Office victims and highlights the impact of research in driving change and offering hope for full justice.

After reflecting on the award, Professor Moorhead said: “This work has been about more than just research. It’s been a privilege to work alongside the sub-postmasters, whose resilience and dignity in the face of such injustice is truly inspiring. They’ve been through so much, and it’s their strength that drives us to keep pushing for change.”

Featured image via University of Exeter