Hybrid: Learning from the post office scandal: the importance of ethics

Lee and Lisa Castleton

Karl Flinders - Computer Weekly

17:45 Arrival and refreshments for those attending in-person

18:15 Welcome and overview

18:30 Living with high stakes technologies – BCS report on ethical challenges in the workplace

18:45 Personal insights from the Horizon scandal: Lee and Lisa Castleton will be talking about their experiences.

19:40 Q&A with Lee and Lisa, plus Karl Flinders of Computer Weekly.

20:00 Refreshments and networking

20:30 Close

The Horizon Scandal, involving the UK Post Office and its accounting software, is a landmark case of how IT systems can devastate lives when they go wrong. Between 1999 and 2015 over 900 Post Office workers, known as sub-postmasters, were wrongfully accused of theft and fraud due to errors and faulty information in the Horizon IT system. Many faced criminal charges, job loss, and personal ruin, despite maintaining their innocence. It wasn't until years later that investigations revealed the software’s flaws, leading to one of the largest miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

This event will examine the personal and professional impact of faulty IT systems like Horizon but also the role of leadership and governance, including by leaders who are non-technologists.

Participants will explore the ethical responsibilities of IT professionals, the importance of proper system testing and oversight, and the human cost when technology misused. We will explore lessons learned for those who suffered first hand, focusing on how to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in IT-driven systems.

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.

BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today:

https://www.bcs.org/membership/events

If you are attending in person, please familiarise yourself with the Visitor Instructions for the BCS London Office.

Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via [email protected] and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

THIS EVENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Name of Group ICT Ethics

Visit https://www.bcs.org/membership-and-registrations/member-communities/ict-ethics-specialist-group/

Host or Publisher BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT