Regulation of Funeral Directors in the UK

In light of recent news of malpractice and improper handling of human remains at a Hull funeral directors, this blog outlines funeral regulations in the UK and abroad. We’ll also discuss what stricter regulations could mean for consumers and the funeral industry.

What This Blog Covers:

• How funeral directors are regulated in the UK

• Industry standards and voluntary codes of conduct

• What happens when a funeral director breaches regulations

• Funeral director regulations in other countries

• Calls for stricter funeral industry regulations

• The future of funeral director regulation

How Are Funeral Directors Regulated in the UK?

Currently, there is no legal code of conduct that funeral directors must follow in the UK. This means there are no government-enforced rules, nor are funeral directors subject to routine mandatory inspections.

Funeral directors can voluntarily join industry bodies like the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). However, membership is not required by law, and funeral directors can operate without external oversight.

A spokesperson for NAFD told the BBC:

“Regulation of operational standards in the funeral sector is currently on a voluntary basis. Funeral firms that choose to join the NAFD (or fellow trade body SAIF) commit to abide by the Funeral Director Code and open their business up to unannounced inspections. Equally, firms can choose not to take part in this voluntary regulation and can operate without scrutiny.”

 

Industry Standards: NAFD and SAIF Codes of Conduct

NAFD’s Funeral Director Code:

NAFD has over 4,100 member funeral directors in the UK, all of which undergo periodic inspections by their Standards and Quality Management team. However, it’s unclear how often inspections occur and what happens if a funeral director fails to meet requirements.

NAFD’s Code of Conduct covers 10 areas, including:

• Caring for clients and the deceased

• Business management and ethical practices

• Staff training and professional development

• Complaint handling and regulatory compliance

NAFD also provides an independent complaints service, NAFD Resolve, operated by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

SAIF’s Code of Practice:

SAIF has around 1,000 members, who are inspected every two years against its Code of Practice. This code includes:

• Compliance with government legislation

• Standards for funeral directors and staff

• Proper handling of the deceased

• Funeral planning and delivery

• Complaints procedures and risk management

While these industry bodies encourage high standards, it’s important to note that membership is voluntary. Funeral directors that are not members of NAFD or SAIF are not bound by these codes.

What Happens If a Funeral Director Breaches These Codes?

Consequences for funeral directors that breach NAFD or SAIF codes remain unclear. Since funeral directors in the UK are not legally regulated, there is no official ombudsman to handle consumer complaints.

The recent case of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors highlights this issue. Following reports of misconduct, both NAFD and SAIF clarified that the funeral director was not a member of either organisation. Legacy had resigned its NAFD membership in 2021 and had not been inspected since 2018.

Calls for Stricter Funeral Director Regulations

Many organisations, including the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), have called for tighter regulations in the funeral industry. A 2021 CMA report recommended stricter rules on funeral pricing, transparency, and the care of the deceased.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has expressed support for self-regulation but agrees on the need for a statutory body to oversee the industry. SAIF President Mark Horton has publicly called for urgent government intervention.

Public pressure is also growing. Citizens like Jodie Langsford, who discovered that a funeral director mishandled her father’s remains, launched a petition for a Funeral Directors Regulatory Body. Another petition calling for mandatory inspections has also been started by Michael Fogg, an independent funeral director from Sheffield.

Even the UK government has stated that it is reviewing funeral industry regulations.

The Future of Funeral Director Regulations in the UK

Recent cases of malpractice, such as those in Hull, have highlighted the urgent need for stricter funeral regulations. A government-enforced statutory code would ensure higher standards, rebuild public trust, and provide consumers with peace of mind when arranging funerals.

Regulation should prioritise dignity and respect for the deceased while also protecting grieving families from financial exploitation.

At the same time, we hope to encourage open discussions about death, funerals, and grief with compassion and understanding.

How Are Funeral Directors Regulated in Other Countries?

Scotland:

As of January 2024, Scotland has introduced a Funeral Director Code of Practice. All funeral directors must comply by March 2025. The code covers six key areas:

• Handling of the deceased

• Funeral service planning and delivery

• Premises and business continuity

• Complaints and risk management

Additionally, a proposed licensing scheme would require funeral directors to renew their licence and undergo inspections every three years.

European Union (EU):

The European Federation of Funeral Services (EFFS) provides guidance on industry best practices, though individual countries set their own laws. Many EU nations adhere to EN15017, a European standard for funeral services.

Germany has one of the strictest funeral industries in the world. Most crematoriums and embalming services are state-controlled, and private funeral directors must be licensed.

United States:

In the United States, funeral regulations vary by state. However, federal laws, such as the FTC Funeral Rule, protect consumers by ensuring pricing transparency and preventing misleading sales tactics.

Most states require funeral directors to obtain licences and meet specific education requirements for embalmers and funeral directors. Some states have separate licensing for crematoriums and embalming services.

Conclusion

With growing concerns about funeral director malpractice, it’s clear that the UK needs stronger industry regulations. Implementing mandatory inspections and a statutory code would help protect both grieving families and funeral professionals.

For consumers, these changes would offer greater security and transparency when planning funerals. For funeral directors, clear regulations could establish a fair and professional industry standard.

Above all, care and dignity for the deceased should always come first in shaping funeral industry policies.
 

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