Fire Service formalises commitment to bereaved families in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has formally pledged its commitment to the Bereaved Families Charter.

At their meeting, held on Friday (26 May), Members of The Fire Authority's Policy and Strategy Committee endorsed the adoption of the Charter.

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 tragedy is not repeated in future tragedies.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue 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 the organisation's own reputation by approaching forms of public scrutiny, including inquest, with openness and transparency. It also includes recognising that the Service is accountable and open to challenge.

Chief Fire Officer, Craig Parkin, said: "I'm proud to pledge Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's commitment to the Bereaved Families Charter today.

"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 Notts Fire."