NAFD works with Skillsmart Retail to develop education programme

As it sets about evolving its education support, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is working with Skillsmart Retail, the UK sector skills council most appropriate to the funeral sector, to explore the issues involved in developing a framework of recognition and progression for employees in the profession.

To do this the NAFD has to consider not only today’s requirements, in terms of knowledge and skills, but also potential future changes and their impact on each of the job roles.  Eighteen months ago NAFD members took part in an initial survey designed to take stock of the various factors affecting funeral industry education and qualifications.

Now, the NAFD plans to take its analysis to the next stage with a survey which considers funeral service employment and skills.  Designed in partnership with Skillsmart Retail, this survey aims to:

• gather sample employment data from employers in the funeral service for sector comparison purposes
• identify and further refine NAFD members’ requirements in respect of their preferred type of qualification and their views on the importance of national recognition
• share members’ views on consumers’ changing demands and the likely impact this will have on the various job roles within the funeral service

The survey will be sent to all NAFD members who are requested to complete and return it by the end of July 2010.