Postmasters Brian Smith and Sara Barlow have been elected as the Post Office (PO)’s non-executive directors (NEDs).

The new postmasters are replacing Elliot Jacobs and Saf Ismail who were the first serving postmasters elected to sit on the Board in 2021. It is the second time elections have been run for serving postmasters to sit on the Board.

Smith, of Freefield PO in Lerwick, Shetland, said: “I am eager to bring my unique insights, diverse skills, and unwavering commitment to the Post Office’s mission to the Board. My passion for community engagement, drive for innovation, and a deep understanding of the retail landscape, will all aid me to support the Post Office on its path to modernisation and continued success.”

Before he was elected, Smith said he was committed to challenging decisions on the board, adding that he’d like to see the Horizon scandal “finished”, with “those affected properly compensated”.

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 Barlow, of Rainhill PO in Liverpool, previously pledged she would put a pay review for postmasters “front and centre”.

After succeeding to the Board, she added: “I have been an active participant in many postmaster working groups, forums and associations. Whether it’s through Peer Support or in my role on the Wellbeing initiative team, I am driven to help support postmasters on a wide range of issues from remuneration improvements to emotional support.”

Voting of the two new postmasters as NEDs took place between 30 September and 16 October.

Nigel Railton, PO chair, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Brian and Sara to the Board. We have an ambitious five-year Transformation Plan for the Post Office and both will bring critical real-life experience to the role helping us deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’ that will also benefit the nine million customers that visit our branches every week and who rely on the essential products and services postmasters and their teams provide.”

Post Office minister Gareth Thomas continued: “It’s absolutely right that postmasters should play a leading role in shaping the future of the Post Office, providing invaluable experience to ensure it serves the needs of communities across the country. Brian and Sara will make excellent additions to the leadership team, helping to further bridge the gap between branches and the board.” 

Following an induction and training programme, covering the corporate and legal aspects of fulfilling the duties of a NED, Smith took up his position on the Board on 4 December 2024 and Barlow takes up her position on the Board on 28 January 2025. 

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