Are funeral directors regulated in England? It is a question many families may never think to ask until they need to arrange a funeral.
Most people understandably assume that funeral homes are regulated in much the same way as other professional services. The reality is a little more complicated.
At present, there is no single statutory regulator overseeing all funeral directors in England. However, funeral directors are subject to a range of legal requirements and consumer protections, and many reputable funeral homes also choose to follow professional codes of practice.
Following serious concerns about standards within parts of the funeral sector, the Government is also working towards greater formal regulation.
So, what protections are already in place, and what should families expect when choosing a funeral director?
How are funeral directors currently regulated?
There is currently no compulsory licensing system that every funeral director in England must join simply in order to operate.
There are, however, professional organisations within the funeral sector, including the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) – which Harrison Funeral Home is a longtime member of – and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Members agree to follow their respective professional standards and codes of practice.
Funeral businesses must also comply with wider legal requirements covering areas including consumer protection, competition, health and safety and data protection.
What rules do funeral directors have to follow on prices?
One particularly important protection for families concerns pricing. Following an investigation into the funeral market by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), funeral directors are legally required to display a Standardised Price List.
This must be available at their premises and online, making it easier for families to understand costs and compare different funeral directors.
Funeral directors must also provide information about additional products and services, certain terms of business and relevant financial or business interests.
If you’re arranging a funeral, you should therefore be able to obtain clear information about costs before making your decision.
Is funeral regulation changing?
Yes. The way funeral directors are regulated has received renewed attention following serious cases involving the care of people after death.
The Government has confirmed its intention to introduce statutory regulation of the funeral director sector in England. The aim is to establish clearer and more consistent standards for funeral businesses and the care of people who have died.
The details of the new system are still being developed, however. Until new legislation and regulation come into force, it is important to distinguish between the rules that apply today and proposals for future regulation.
What should you expect from a funeral director?
Regulation is important, but there are also some very practical signs of a funeral director you can feel comfortable dealing with.
You should expect clear information about costs and the choices available to you. You should be given time to make decisions rather than feeling pressured into purchasing additional services.
A funeral director should also be willing to explain what will happen to the person who has died while they are in their care.
It is entirely reasonable to ask questions.
You might want to ask where your loved one will be cared for, whether they will remain at the funeral home’s own premises, when you will be able to visit them and who you should contact if you have questions during the arrangements. A good funeral director should be comfortable answering those questions openly.
Do you have to use the first funeral director you contact?
No.
After someone dies, families can find themselves making significant decisions at an extremely difficult time. There can be a feeling that arrangements need to be made immediately, but you are entitled to consider your options.
You can speak to more than one funeral director, compare prices and ask questions before deciding who you would like to look after the funeral.
Cost is important, but it doesn’t have to be the only consideration. You may also want to think about the funeral home’s experience, location, facilities and approach and, importantly, whether you feel comfortable with the people who will be caring for your loved one.
Choosing a funeral director you can trust
Most families will only arrange a small number of funerals during their lifetime. Funeral directors, on the other hand, deal with these arrangements every day.
That difference in experience makes openness particularly important.
You should never feel embarrassed about asking what something costs, why something has been recommended or whether there is another option.
At Harrison Funeral Home, we believe families should have clear information and the time they need to make decisions that are right for them.
If you have questions about arranging a funeral, funeral costs or the choices available, our team is always happy to talk them through with you.
Harrison Funeral Home
Serving families with care and compassion across Enfield, Winchmore Hill, and Highgate: North London’s trusted name in funeral care.
Telephone (24-hour support): 020 8819 3465
Email: info@harrisonfuneralhome.co.uk
Harrison Funeral Home
Harrison Funeral Home is here to make a difficult time a little easier. Our experts are specialists in helping bereaved families in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Highgate and nationally with funeral arrangements.