Nottinghamshire fire service pledges commitment to support bereaved families

The Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy was written in 2017 by the former Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, to ensure the pain and suffering of families affected by the Hillsborough disaster is not repeated in future tragedies.

The Nottinghamshire service’s formal commitment involves being “people-focused” and providing the vital services that meet the needs of people before, during and after an incident.

The pledge includes placing the public interest above its own reputation, approaching public scrutiny with openness and transparency and ensuring staff treat people with mutual respect and courtesy.

Other commitments include, in the event of public tragedy, supporting emergency plans and deployment of resources to rescue victims, supporting the bereaved and protecting the vulnerable, and not defending the indefensible or dismissing those who may have suffered where the service has fallen short; as well as recognising the service is accountable and open to challenge.

Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin said: “I’m proud to pledge Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's commitment to the Bereaved Families Charter.

“Any public service organisation should be accountable and put their communities first. This is especially the case for emergency services, when we sadly often meet people on their worst days.

“The commitments of the charter align to our service values and behavioural framework, which outlines the expected approach of every employee of our service.”