Fuller Inquiry and Law Commission Review
How funeral firms care for deceased people will come under the spotlight this year through both the Fuller Inquiry and the Law Commission Review of burial and cremation law – shaping the future of funerals and how we care for those who die for a generation.
The Inquiry, which began in 2022 with a focus firmly on the NHS Trust in Kent where hospital electrician David Fuller committed his crimes, set out to consider whether procedures and practices in other hospital and non-hospital settings – including funeral homes – where bodies of the deceased are kept, safeguard the security and dignity of the deceased in such a way as would prevent a recurrence of the crimes committed by Fuller.
During the first phase of the inquiry, Past President Jeremy Field OBE gave evidence, as his firm was one of several that interacted with the NHT Trust concerned and he reported back that the emphasis felt less about monitoring the behaviours of people working in mortuaries, and “rather more about knowing who has access to the deceased people in our care and how we’re managing access to them.”
The NAFD has important role to play
For NAFD Director of Policy and Public Affairs Rachel Bradburne, the actions of Fuller have highlighted the vulnerability of deceased people, issues of access to deceased people, and the need to ensure that standards in the provision of funeral and death care are as high as possible. “The funeral profession has much to contribute to the second phase of the inquiry and the NAFD has an important role to play, as we set high professional standards for our members. Secure access to mortuaries restricted to authorised persons, and the provision of DBS checks are included in The Funeral Director Code and IFSO inspections ensure that they operate to high standards.
“Naturally, there will always be further improvements that could be made – but it will be important that any reforms which result from the public inquiry are proportionate to each setting.
“Ultimately, NAFD wants the sector to agree on a common approach to standards that prioritises independent oversight. This is, we consider, what consumers expect and deserve. NAFD will continue to work towards achieving consensus and a single mechanism for the implementation of agreed standards, sector wide.”
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As the largest representative body for UK funeral firms, we provide advice, advocacy, education and support to help funeral professionals meet the highest professional standards and provides bereaved people with reassurance that they are choosing a compassionate and experienced funeral director they can trust.
Expand your knowledge with our sector leading education programmes
We are proud to offer sector leading education programmes in all aspects of the funeral profession.
Whether you are looking to embark on a new career or are already employed in the funeral service, we offer a range of training which are designed to expand the knowledge of individuals working in all aspects of the profession by inspiring confidence and excellence in their work to care for bereaved families and those who have died.
Find out more on the NAFD Education website.