Postmasters Brian Smith and Sara Barlow elected as non-executive directors of Post Office Board

Two serving Postmasters, Brian Smith and Sara Barlow, have been elected to the Post Office Board as non-executive directors.

This is the second time in the Post Office’s 360-year history that serving postmasters have been elected to the Board.

Brian and Sara will replace Elliot Jacobs and Saf Ismail who were first elected to sit on the Board in 2021.

The appointment of Brian and Sara follows approval from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, The Right Hon Jonathan Reynolds.

It comes after the Post Office Chair Nigel Railton set out a five-year ‘Transformation Plan’ for the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’.

Brian has served as a postmaster for his Clocktower Post Office on the Shetland Islands for 19 years.

“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,” said Brian.

Sara has run her Rainhill brand in Merseyside for six years and has been awarded a British Empire medal for services to business and the community.

“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,” commented Sara.

Voting to elect two new postmasters as non-executive directors to the Post Office Board took place between 30 September and 16 October 2024.

Nigel Railton Post Office 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 commented on the new positions: “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.” 

Brian took up his position on the Board on 4 December 2024 and Sara is set to take up her position on 28 January 2025. 

Current postmaster non-executive director Elliot Jacobs’ tenure on the Board has been extended to bring business continuity alongside Mr Smith and Ms Barlow. Saf Ismail has stepped down from the Board.