Crown Prosecution Service signs the Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy

The Crown Prosecution Service has today (21 March) become the first national public body to sign up to a new charter committing to treat families bereaved by major disasters in a sensitive and transparent manner.
 
The ‘Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy’ was proposed by Bishop James Jones in his report on the experiences of families affected by the Hillsborough disaster, published in November 2017. It formalises a commitment to transparency and acting in the public interest, both of which are existing key values of the CPS.
 
Being the first national public body to sign up to this charter reaffirms the CPS commitment to provide victims and witnesses with information, assistance and support throughout the prosecution process.

Signing up to the charter also supports our own prosecution guidance dedicated to ensuring a quality service for victims and bereaved families in terrorist incidents, disasters and multi-fatality cases. This guidance corresponds closely to Bishop James’s principles.
 
Sue Hemming, Head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the CPS, said: “We are proud to be the first national body to sign this charter and to commit to the objectives within it. These align completely with our own values - that prosecutors must be fair, independent, honest and respectful.
 
“Bishop James’s charter contains helpful guidance which was developed after speaking with families impacted by the Hillsborough disaster. This will help to ensure that we never deviate from our commitment to the welfare of victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system.”