In 2022, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is separating entirely from its standards work and creating a fully independent regulatory body, the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation (IFSO).
As a trade association, the NAFD has recognised its conflict of interest in also being an unofficial appointed regulatory body (a role it took on for lack of an independent body). The formation of IFSO, which operates completely independently, resolves this. Going forwards, IFSO will monitor the standards of funeral homes – irrespective of any trade body membership – as well as takeover the conducting of all NAFD current inspections, complaints, and monitoring activities.
Of the formation of IFSO the NAFD says, “This approach has the backing of the vast majority of our members, who recognise that for responsible, compassionate funeral directors, this is the best way to demonstrate their professionalism and root out rogue operators.” It continues “…IFSO represents a logical next step towards ensuring robust and independent regulation of all funeral firms – as it could be underpinned with statutory powers, compelling all funeral directors to register with it and be subject to its oversight.”[i]
With regards to statutory powers, IFSO will be working with the government to implement a self-regulation model within a “co-regulatory” framework. Chaired by The Right Honourable David Heath CBE, former Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, its board is made up of experienced regulatory personnel whose role is to help ensure quality and fairness for bereaved families when arranging a funeral for a loved one.
Of its role, the new funeral regulatory body says, “IFSO seeks to work with all stakeholders within the sector to understand their needs and also the needs of the consumers they serve, all with the overarching goal of helping to shape the successful self-regulation of the industry.”[ii]
Harrison Funeral Home welcomes this move by the NAFD in creating IFSO, and we are looking forward to working alongside them for the betterment of the funeral sector from January 2022.
[i] National Association of Funeral Directors Website: https://www.nafd.org.uk/2021/11/17/the-nafd-urges-responsible-funeral-firms-to-opt-for-independent-regulation/
[ii] Independent Funeral Standards Organisation Website: https://ifso.org.uk/