On 18 March 2025, Monmouthshire County Council joined organisations across Wales in signing a charter which commits 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, 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.

A launch event was held in Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday (March 18), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy. He was joined by the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan, which stands only a few miles from the launch venue.

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 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.”

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “Signing this Charter along with so many public services was a profound and moving event. To do so is a significant step for Monmouthshire County Council. It talks directly to our role as public servants and the role of our organisation in responding in a compassionate, transparent, accountable and ultimately with true humanity to any tragedy that may happen. The drive to adopt this Charter and its six commitments sits within the frameworks within which we all, across Monmouthshire and Wales should work. I am pleased that all Elected Members across our chamber, and officers within MCC, overwhelmingly supported the adoption and signing of this charter.”