New charter promises fresh approach for bereaved relatives and survivors of public tragedies
Tuesday 18 March 2025
Organisations across Wales have signed a charter agreeing to respond to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.
The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in how public bodies engage with bereaved families, and applies lessons learned from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath to ensure that anyone who is affected by future public tragedy does not have the same experience.
Organisations including Welsh Government, the Welsh Ambulance Service, local authorities such as Bridgend County Borough Council and regional police forces and fire and rescue services have all signed the charter, confirming their commitment towards supporting bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident, and to providing services that meet their needs before, during and after an event.
A launch event for the charter will be held in Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday 18 March. This will be attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who developed the charter as part of his report on lessons learned from the Hillsborough tragedy. He will be joined by a number of bereaved relatives and survivors of other public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan.
Bishop Jones said: “Today, the nation of Wales is leading the way with more than 50 public bodies signing the charter. In doing so, the culture of the organisations has begun to change, and there is a renewed commitment towards public service and respecting the humanity of those we are called to serve.
“The charter represents a promise that after any future tragedy, no one will be left to navigate their grief and survival alone - that no one will endure again the 'patronising disposition of unaccountable power'.
“This is a pivotal moment in the life of the nation as we embrace the principles of the charter, and pledge to respect the humanity of all citizens which should be at the heart of all public service.”
It’s pleasing that this very important charter has received the support of full Council and reaffirms our long-standing commitment to supporting bereaved families with the care, compassion, and respect that they deserve. “A one-council approach will be taken to ensure that the values of this charter are implemented throughout our county borough, and all 51 councillors will work closely with officers and wider partners to offer support wherever required.”
“Support for the bereaved already forms a key part of our emergency planning processes, but as much as we all hope that these tragedies will never take place in our area, it is only right that we take a proactive, multi-agency approach and prepare for every eventuality.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, chair of the Joint Emergency Services Group in Wales, said: “We recognise that co-operation when supporting families affected by public tragedy is vital for ensuring the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.
“By working together we can use our collective expertise and resources to provide meaningful support to those in need during times of crisis and beyond.”
South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis added: “By signing the charter, each and every organisation is making a public statement to learn the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and other tragedies to ensure that we never lose sight of the perspective of bereaved families and ensure that they are treated with care and compassion, not only at the time of emergency and tragedy but in the weeks, months and years after.
“While today is a landmark, the real challenge is to embed the charter into our training and culture to ensure it becomes an integral part of our response to any public tragedy. The involvement of the bereaved and survivors of public tragedy has been a driving force in bringing about today’s momentous step forward.”