Any funeral home in the UK, of any credibility, would welcome a call for statutory regulation. This would prevent unsuitable and unqualified pop-up funeral homes, which in the current situation, happens far too often. It would also ensure right, proper and full facilities for care of the deceased, by all funeral homes and not only those that choose to do so.
Today, the Independent Inquiry into the Crimes of David Fuller published an interim report into its phase II investigation into care of deceased people in non-hospital settings, including funeral homes.
In the report, it has called for the statutory regulation of funeral directors. Sir Jonathan Michael, Chair of the Inquiry, said: “I had originally intended to publish my findings and recommendations on the funeral sector as part of the Inquiry’s Phase 2 Report. I have, however, expedited the Inquiry’s work in this area, in light of the recent distressing reports of neglect in the funeral sector.
“For most people, their experience of funeral services happens at some of the most difficult times in their lives. They are vulnerable in their grief and distress. We often trust our recently deceased into the care of funeral directors, expecting that they will be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
“Based on the Inquiry’s examination of the funeral sector, it is fair to say that, in most cases, this is true. The funeral directors I have met in conducting this Inquiry have been caring and professional. However, sadly, there are exceptions.
“It is clear to me that many people believe or assume that the sector is already regulated, and they are shocked to find this is not the case. The fact is that anyone can set themselves up as a funeral director. They could do it from their home and keep the bodies of the deceased in their garage without anybody being able to stop them. That cannot be right.
“My hope is that publishing this interim report now will assist both the Government and the funeral sector itself to take steps that assure the public that care in the funeral sector is fit for purpose. We need a regulatory regime that will not tolerate any form of abuse or any practices that compromise the security and dignity of the deceased.
The NAFD has responded to the report, welcoming the recognition of the high standards already achieved by many funeral firms and joining the call for mandatory oversight of all funeral directors.
Andrew Judd, NAFD Chief Executive Officer, said: “The NAFD welcomes and shares the Fuller Inquiry’s call for an independent regulator for the funeral profession. The vast majority of funeral directors are compassionate, and operate with integrity to extremely high standards – and we are pleased that has been recognised by the Inquiry.
“However, we have always been acutely aware of the limits of voluntary regulation and stand ready to support the Government in its next steps to propose the right regulatory structure; we would like to ensure it includes a robust code of practice, a requirement for Continuous Professional Development, independent redress and a comprehensive inspections regime. It will also be important that it is proportionate and able to be met by businesses of different sizes and structures to preserve consumer choice.”