Dyfed-Powys OPCC Support for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy
Welsh public organisations, including Dyfed-Powys Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), pledge support to bereaved families following public tragedies
Public bodies across Wales have committed to a new approach aimed at supporting bereaved families and survivors of public tragedies with greater openness, transparency, and accountability.
The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for significant cultural change in how organisations engage with families affected by major incidents. Developed from lessons learned from the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, the charter ensures that affected families in the future will not experience the same hardships and barriers to justice.
Dyfed-Powys OPCC joins organisations across Wales, including the Welsh Government, local councils, police forces, fire and rescue services, and the Welsh Ambulance Service, in signing the charter. This commitment ensures that families and communities receive compassionate, respectful support tailored to their needs before, during, and after a tragedy.
A launch event held in Merthyr Tydfil on Tuesday (March 18) was attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, author of the charter and key report into the Hillsborough disaster. He was joined by survivors and bereaved families from public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena, and Aberfan.
Bishop Jones stated: “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.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn added: “By signing this Charter, I reaffirm Dyfed-Powys OPCC’s commitment to openness, accountability, and ensuring bereaved families are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. We understand the profound and lasting impact such tragedies have on individuals and communities, and we pledge to always act with integrity, transparency, and genuine care, placing families at the very heart of our response.”
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Article Date: 18/03/2025