Members out in force at NAFD’s Autumn General Meeting

The NAFD’s Autumn General Meeting (November 3) provided a strong indication of the extent to which members are taking an interest in the Association’s work on their behalf, as more than 100 people, representing funeral directors and supplier members, voted on future plans and approved the 2012 budget.

Following a collaborative process involving NAFD committees, the London Association of Funeral Directors and tutors, the Association is forging ahead with its new approach to education and training, which is designed to meet the profession’s requirements in the face of wider consumer knowledge and greater expectations. The NAFD plans to offer an end to end qualification framework benchmarked to national standards, which is scheduled to launch in May 2012.

In his report to the meeting NAFD chief executive officer Alan Slater discussed proposed changes to merchant card services and the enhanced Business Support Helpline. An improved two-year deal with a new provider will double the legal indemnity cover and increase the financial assistance available to members facing employment tribunals and HM Revenue & Customs tax investigations.

The Government’s new focus for consumer law, and how this could impact on NAFD members when issues relating to the Code of Practice and consumers’ rights arise, was also raised along with developments at CAMEO (the Crematoria Abatement of Mercury Emissions Organisation), which is on course to achieve its objective and will now focus on ensuring it has the authority to make sure the legislation is properly enforced. The NAFD was pleased to confirm that budgeting loans are expected to be available in February 2012 and that, although the Government has stopped short of issuing guidance in respect of cremated remains left at funeral directors’ premises, it has effectively approved the draft guidelines drawn up by the Association.

A debate on health and safety centred on the increasing use of neurostimulators, which funeral directors are required to remove prior to cremation, and the NAFD confirmed it is liaising with one of the main manufacturers for assistance on locating these implants.

Members were also alerted to likely transport issues next summer, specifically the restrictions that will come into force with HM The Queen’s golden jubilee celebrations, the Olympics and the Paralympic Games. The disruption will affect all the venues being used, not just London, and will therefore have an impact across the profession, although the NAFD was pleased to report that allowances will be made to help funeral directors access mortuaries and meet their commitments in respect of coroner’s removals.

In his capacity as acting honorary treasurer, Alan Slater reported that the NAFD remains in robust financial health. The interim accounts and budget for 2012 were passed unanimously, as members demonstrated their appreciation for the tight financial controls that have been implemented along with the Association’s commitment to maximising its resources. As a result, the fee for additional branch offices is to be held at the 2011 level while the basic grade fee for funeral directors, supplier firms and overseas members will rise by just two per cent – less than half the rate of inflation.

“We were delighted with yet another excellent turn out at the Autumn General Meeting, which proved to be a most informative business session during which we were able to provide a series of key updates, particularly in relation to education and training, legislation and health and safety matters,” says Alan Slater.