NRW signs Bereaved Families Charter

NRW is amongst over 50 organisations across Wales that have signed a charter which commits us 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 who are affected by public tragedy in the future from having the same experience.

Organisations across Wales, including Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces and Welsh Ambulance Service and fire and rescue services, have all signed up to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident, with a clear commitment to people and to providing services that meet their needs before, during and after an event.

The Charter will be launched at an event in Merthyr Tydfil this week (Tuesday 18 March), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy. Also in attendance will be the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan.

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.

The Charter was signed by Sir David Henshaw. He said:

It is a privilege to sign the Bereaved Families Charter, committing to support those who are grieving with compassion and respect. By adopting its principles, NRW is dedicated to ensuring that grieving families are supported through one of life’s most challenging times with kindness, compassion and empathy every step of the way.