Public bodies sign up to victims charter

Organisations across Wales have signed a charter outlining their commitment to responding to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.

The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in public bodies' engagement with bereaved families, ensuring the lessons of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are learned to prevent those affected by public tragedy in the future from having a similar experience.

Organisations across Wales have signed up, including Gwent Police, Welsh Government, local authorities, other police forces and Welsh Ambulance Service and fire and rescue services, in pledging to support bereaved families and the community before, during and after a major incident.

The Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy, was joined by the survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan, at a launch event in Merthyr Tydfil.

Bishop Jones said: “Today the nation of Wales is leading the way with over 50 of its public bodies signing the charter.

“In doing so, the culture of the organisations has begun to change and there is a renewed commitment to public service and to 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 its citizens which should be at the heart of all public service.”

South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis said: “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.”

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