Clarify casualty bureau purpose and limitations
That what in the past has been called by the police a 'casualty bureau' be described in a way that makes it clear that it does not provide information to the public about people affected by the emergency. (113.78)
- The NPCC delivered this recommendation by updating standard operating procedures to make clear that the casualty bureau does not provide information to the public about people affected by emergencies (Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Recommendations Dashboard, MHCLG, updated March 2026).
- The government's dashboard states this recommendation is complete and has been fully discharged (Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Recommendations Dashboard, MHCLG, updated March 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) accepts this recommendation. The NPCC has been working to discharge a similar recommendation made in 2018 by the Kerslake independent review of the Manchester Arena bombing. It has updated the standard operating procedures for the casualty bureau and will continue to assure delivery against them. Although the casualty bureau will continue to be known as such, the NPCC has worked with force communication leads on how to clearly describe the functions of a casualty bureau and is working with local government to ensure that communications in the event of a critical incident are clear to the public. The recommendation has been fully discharged.
Progress Timeline
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has updated the standard operating procedures for the casualty bureau and will continue to assure delivery against them. Although the casualty bureau will continue to be known as such, the NPCC has worked with force communication leads on how to clearly describe the functions of a casualty bureau and is working with local government to ensure that communications in the event of a critical incident are clear to the public. The recommendation has been fully discharged.