The NAFD remains concerned about the unfolding news from the police investigation in Hull and our thoughts are with all those affected. However, given the live police investigation, and the fact there are still relatively few details in the public domain, we believe it remains important not to speculate as to what may have happened. This would be both unhelpful to the police investigation and unfair on the bereaved families involved.
Legacy Independent Funeral Directors is not a member of the NAFD, which means they are not subject to inspections or required to abide by our Code of Practice. The public has the right to feel assured that their deceased loved ones are safe and secure, regardless of where they are cared for, but the current self-regulatory approach leaves some businesses and settings outside of oversight and bereaved consumers without recourse to an independent complaints or redress service.
The NAFD has already called on the UK Government to strengthen the oversight of the funeral profession. We believe it is critically important to ensure that all funeral homes are held to the same high standards expected of NAFD members and that the responsibility for this should not be borne alone by trade associations – but also underpinned by Government. We would like to see all UK funeral businesses compelled to meet a uniform quality standard, based on the well established and tested principles already set out in the NAFD Funeral Director Code, SAIF Code and Scottish Government Statutory Code. These are inclusive and able to be met by a wide variety of different business types and size, which protects the diversity of the sector, and benefits consumers by enabling choice.
Until such time as this robust system of oversight is in place, we would urge the public to ask questions of any funeral director they are seeking to appoint, to care for a deceased loved one, including asking how that person will be cared for. A good funeral director will communicate with you transparently and will have no concerns about describing or showing you their facilities. Subject to the appropriate checks, they may be able to show you their back-of-house facilities if this is important to you.
If you have any concerns about the care or service you are receiving from a funeral home, check if they are an NAFD or SAIF member, as we may be able to assist.
Check if they are an NAFD member here.
Check if they are a SAIF member here.