Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to sign the Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy. The Charter, also known as the Hillsborough Charter, is a public document that commits to a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service. By adopting this Charter, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council reaffirms its dedication to placing the needs of bereaved families at the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard, and that they are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
A significant event took place on March 18, 2025, in Merthyr Tydfil, where various organisations and public bodies attended to demonstrate their support. The event was attended by both the media and esteemed guests including Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the Charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy, as well as families and survivors from Manchester, Hillsborough, Aberfan, and Grenfell. Paul Mee, Chief Executive of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, was also in attendance to sign on the Council’s behalf.
This event was a unique recognition of unity across Wales, showing how different organisations are coming together to support families affected by public tragedies. It highlighted a special approach for Wales, demonstrating the cooperation and solidarity among various groups to prioritise the needs of bereaved families.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “By adopting the Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion. This charter is a testament to our dedication to placing the needs of bereaved families at the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
“Our values of supporting and empowering communities, promoting safety and well-being, and fostering a culture of respect and empathy, are at the heart of this commitment. By embracing these principles, we strive to enhance our emergency response, learn from past events, and continually improve our services to better serve the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“By adopting this important Charter, we are helping to build a more resilient and compassionate community.”
The Charter outlines six key commitments, including:
- 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.
- Place the public interest above our own reputations.
- 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.
- Avoid seeking to defend the indefensible or to dismiss or disparage those who may have suffered where we have fallen short.
- Ensure all members of staff treat members of the public and each other with mutual respect and with courtesy.
- Recognise that we are accountable and open to challenge.
Paul Mee, Chief Executive of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “It was an honour to be part of this significant event and to witness the collective commitment of the principles of this Charter. This Charter is not just a document, it is a pledge to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is dedicated to ensuring that the experiences of bereaved families continue to guide our actions and that we uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and compassion in doing so.
“By signing this Charter, we are not only acknowledging the past but also committing to a future where the needs of bereaved families are prioritised, and their voices are integral to our response to public tragedies.”
The devastating impact on bereaved families following public tragedies cannot be overstated. The Hillsborough tragedy, which occurred on April 15, 1989, resulted in 97 deaths and deeply affected hundreds of individuals, the city of Liverpool, and holds national and international significance. The Charter calls for a cultural shift in public bodies’ engagement with bereaved families, ensuring the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and other disasters including Manchester, Aberfan, and Grenfell, are learned from to prevent similar experiences in the future.
Bishop James Jones KBE, who proposed the Charter, has been a driving force behind its adoption, emphasising the importance bringing about a cultural change relating to transparency and accountability in public service.
Bishop James Jones KBE, 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.”
You can read the full Charter here.
Posted on 24/03/2025