Research on Post Office Scandal wins prestigious 2024 Celebrating Impact Prize

Image credit: Anthony Sajdler Photography; Professional Photographer Oxford 

On 20 November, at the Royal Society in London, a groundbreaking research project addressing the Post Office Scandal—widely regarded as one of the UK’s most significant miscarriages of justice—was awarded the prestigious 2024 Celebrating Impact Prize for Outstanding Societal Impact.

The ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, now in its 12th year, honours researchers funded by the ESRC for their exceptional contributions to creating economic or societal impact through their work.

This award-winning study led by UCL and the University of Exeter investigates the legal failings that contributed to the Post Office Scandal, aiming to foster improvements in organisational culture and ethical practices to prevent similar injustices in the future. The research team comprises Dr Karen Nokes (UCL Laws), Professor Richard Moorhead, Professor Rebecca Helm, and Dr Sally Day (University of Exeter), as well as Paul Gilbert (LBC Wise Counsel). Alex White (UCL Laws) provides additional communications support for the project.

Stian Westlake, ESRC’s Executive Chair, commented: “The projects showcased in this year’s Celebrating Impact Prize demonstrate the transformative potential of social science to improve people’s lives in the UK and beyond.

“They address some of today’s most pressing issues, from supporting victims of institutional scandals to exploring ways to create more fulfilling working lives. Together, they highlight how social science can inform public debate and drive meaningful change.”

Dr Karen Nokes commented: 

"The ESRC funding for the Post Office project has enabled us to engage with victims of the scandal to hear first-hand their experiences of the criminal justice process and other action that was taken against them by the Post Office and to examine the behaviour of the lawyers who enabled the Post Office to do what they did. Through our research, we are developing insights and strategies to encourage lawyers to consider, and if needed, to rethink their mindsets. The Scandal has shown that a refocus on lawyers’ professional ethics and professional obligations is much needed."

Read the full UKRI news story.

We are delighted that this landmark study, which plays a vital role in protecting society from future injustices, has been recognised with this esteemed award.