Signing of Charter to Support Bereaved Families

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have signed the Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy, which commits them to responding to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.

The charter, written by Bishop James Jones KBE, was part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy. Organisations across Wales including Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces and fire and rescue services have signed the charter, as a clear commitment to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident.

Christian Hadfield, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who attended the public signing of the Charter for Bereaved families at an organised event held in Merthyr, said, “The devastating impact on bereaved families following a major incident or public tragedy cannot be overstated. In these moments of loss, it is essential that all public bodies act with transparency, integrity, and in the public interest. This commitment is not just a promise—it is a fundamental responsibility. We recognise that trust is built through openness, and that true recovery can only happen when those affected are fully supported. We will continue to uphold these principles in all that we do, ensuring that families are never left without the truth or the care they need in the wake of public tragedy.”

The charter outlines a clear commitment to supporting bereaved families, treating them with care and compassion, not only at the time of an emergency, but in the weeks, months and years after too.

The Charter

1. In the event of a public tragedy, support the activation of emergency plans and deployment of resources to rescue victims, to support the bereaved and to protect the vulnerable.
2. Place the public interest above our own reputations.
3. Approach forms of public scrutiny – including public inquiries and inquests – with candour, in an open, honest and transparent way, making full disclosure of relevant documents, material and facts. Our objective is to assist the search for the truth. We accept that we should learn from the findings of external scrutiny and from past mistakes.
4. Avoid seeking to defend the indefensible or to dismiss or disparage those who may have suffered where we have fallen short.
5. Ensure all members of staff treat members of the public and each other with mutual respect and with courtesy. Where we fall short, we should apologise straightforwardly and genuinely.
6. Recognise that we are accountable and open to challenge. We will ensure that processes are in place to allow the public to hold us to account for the work we do and for the way in which we do it. We do not knowingly mislead the public or the media.

More information on the charter can be found here.