It is both surprising and concerning that, in England, the funeral industry remains unregulated.
Many people are unaware that this is the case, and their surprise is understandable. When families are experiencing the profound loss of a loved one, they naturally look to funeral directors for care, compassion, and professionalism. However, the reality under current UK law is starkly different. Anyone, regardless of qualifications, knowledge, training, or experience, can set themselves up as a funeral director. There are no legal barriers or required standards, and as seen in some distressing cases, this lack of oversight can result in individuals entering the profession without the necessary skills or moral integrity.
At Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors, we are proud to be members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), a leading governing body in the UK funeral sector. Selecting a funeral director who is affiliated with a recognised organisation such as the NAFD or SAIF offers families significant reassurance regarding the quality of care and service they will receive.
Governing bodies like the NAFD and SAIF set clear standards for their members, ensuring a consistent level of professionalism and quality across all aspects of funeral services. By choosing a funeral director who belongs to one of these organisations, you can be confident that they are committed to upholding these high standards at all times.
Membership of a governing body requires funeral directors to follow a strict code of practice. This often includes transparent pricing, respectful care for the deceased, and open, honest communication with families. These guidelines are designed to ensure that families receive clear information and compassionate support during a difficult time.
If any issues arise with the service provided, affiliation with a governing body gives families access to formal dispute resolution mechanisms. These organisations can mediate between the family and the funeral director, offering an extra layer of protection and support.
Knowing your chosen funeral director is affiliated with a respected organisation provides peace of mind. Families can trust that arrangements will be handled both professionally and ethically, with their interests safeguarded at every stage.
Funeral directors who are members of organisations like the NAFD or SAIF are committed to clear and transparent pricing, in line with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requirements. This ensures families are fully informed and protected from hidden costs.
Affiliated funeral directors are often required to engage in ongoing professional development training. This commitment helps them stay up to date with the latest practices and ensures the highest standards of care are consistently maintained.
Not all funeral directors in the UK are members of these organisations. Choosing one that is can help guarantee a higher standard of service, as well as a more transparent and ethical experience for you and your loved ones.
At Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors, we are proud to be an independent, family-run business. We believe that everyone deserves a funeral director they can place their trust in—one who upholds high professional standards and is accountable to an external organisation. Our dedication is demonstrated by our voluntary commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care, transparency, and professionalism at all times.
We are actively supporting the campaign to introduce comprehensive regulation throughout the funeral profession. Our aim is to ensure that every funeral director is held to the highest standards, promoting trust, transparency, and quality for all families.
We advocate for mandatory licensing for all funeral directors. This measure would ensure that every professional operating in the sector meets defined criteria and maintains consistent standards of care.
Our support extends to the implementation of routine inspections of all funeral premises and facilities. These inspections are essential to verify that funeral directors are upholding the necessary standards and providing safe, respectful environments.
We believe in the importance of mandatory training for everyone working within the funeral profession. Ongoing education and training would help ensure that all funeral directors possess the skills and knowledge required to serve families with professionalism and sensitivity.
Finally, we advocate for a dedicated regulatory organisation to enforce standards. Such an organisation would provide oversight and ensure that all funeral directors are accountable for the care they provide, giving families the reassurance that there is always someone safeguarding their interests.
We believe it is our duty to ensure that every grieving family – whether we have served them in the past, are supporting them now, or may help them in the future – is treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and professionalism. This principle underpins every aspect of our service.
We want to reassure you of our unwavering dedication to our profession. We are wholly committed to supporting bereaved families and their loved ones at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. As an independent, family-run funeral directors, we strive to be a family you can trust when you need us most.
You can have confidence in our qualifications and standards. We are fully qualified and undergo regular inspections. These commitments are at the heart of the care and support we provide to every family we serve.
Need more information? Contact our friendly team today.
