Great commentary, but I would question Rod Ismay's role as "useful idiot". In his evidence to the inquiry he states he was first employed at POL to head up audit risk and compliance (ARAC). How he established this function was not probed in the inquiry, which is a shame. ARAC is a key component in corporate governance and the UK government's lines of defence. With a head of the ARAC committee appearing as an innocent accountant and a National Audit Office shying away from involvement in the case, at least two lines of defence seem to have been either missing or negligent. Perhaps this could be picked up in the next phase of the process?
It’s extraordinary- I can’t understand why the PO lawyer was not thinking about the consequences of the investigation. Either a full investigation is going to help them - and if they truly believed in the infallibility of their system surely an independent investigation stating this could only be helpful to them - or it’s going to demonstrate that there are problems in which case they definitely shouldn’t proceed with all of their prosecutions and they should take a serious look at what’s gone before. But no one seems to say this - that either way objective truth has to be the best thing - in what world wouldn’t it be? The lawyer here only dwells on the fact that an investigation taking place could be viewed as showing they’re not certain, and concludes that the best thing is to appear certain regardless of anything else ... so did they truly think the right thing would be to preserve prosecution of individuals regardless? This is all such a cautionary tale for big institutions, in house lawyers, all persons involved in risk and justice. The stakes were so so high here - involving the lives and liberties of individuals. It could hardly be more serious. And yet this doesn’t appear to feature in any of the thinking. How could their group think have evolved to disregard individual fundamental rights? Thanks for your blog - it’s fascinating.
Great commentary, but I would question Rod Ismay's role as "useful idiot". In his evidence to the inquiry he states he was first employed at POL to head up audit risk and compliance (ARAC). How he established this function was not probed in the inquiry, which is a shame. ARAC is a key component in corporate governance and the UK government's lines of defence. With a head of the ARAC committee appearing as an innocent accountant and a National Audit Office shying away from involvement in the case, at least two lines of defence seem to have been either missing or negligent. Perhaps this could be picked up in the next phase of the process?
It’s extraordinary- I can’t understand why the PO lawyer was not thinking about the consequences of the investigation. Either a full investigation is going to help them - and if they truly believed in the infallibility of their system surely an independent investigation stating this could only be helpful to them - or it’s going to demonstrate that there are problems in which case they definitely shouldn’t proceed with all of their prosecutions and they should take a serious look at what’s gone before. But no one seems to say this - that either way objective truth has to be the best thing - in what world wouldn’t it be? The lawyer here only dwells on the fact that an investigation taking place could be viewed as showing they’re not certain, and concludes that the best thing is to appear certain regardless of anything else ... so did they truly think the right thing would be to preserve prosecution of individuals regardless? This is all such a cautionary tale for big institutions, in house lawyers, all persons involved in risk and justice. The stakes were so so high here - involving the lives and liberties of individuals. It could hardly be more serious. And yet this doesn’t appear to feature in any of the thinking. How could their group think have evolved to disregard individual fundamental rights? Thanks for your blog - it’s fascinating.
I have been saying for over a year, that Robert Wilson needs to appear before the Inquiry. As does Paula Vennels. Dragged there if necessary!
The latest fiasco with lies in the Annual Report means that Reid should appear as well.
Clearly, POL management is STILL not fit for purpose.