Recently Salford City Council’s Regulatory Services team completed a series of reassurance visits to all of the funeral directors in Salford. This was in response to guidance, issued by the previous government in April, in response to the tragic events that occurred in Hull and East Riding. All local authorities were requested to conduct visits to the funeral directors operating in their areas to ascertain the quality of the service that they provided.
The team arranged to visit all 22 premises in Salford who welcomed the opportunity to discuss the services that they provided, if business practices were in line with national guidance and that the levels of respect and dignity were of a high standard. The team reviewed four key areas of compliance:
hygiene, facility conditions, and capability
traceability and transparency
dignity and condition of deceased people in a funeral director’s care
pre-paid funeral plans
Overall, the team were satisfied that there were no major issues, and made suggestions to minor areas where the businesses could benefit from. All the funeral directors welcomed the voluntary visits, and many suggested that this should be an annual visit so that the public are reassured that the practices and services they provide are compassionate and of a high standard.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council said: “The loss of a loved one is one of the most heartbreaking experiences which we have to deal with, so it is imperative that the funeral directors have our trust and our confidence to provide a service that is delivered with compassion, respect and within the law.”
“The visits have shown our commitment to working with the funeral directors so that they continue to maintain the highest standards and provide a quality service to our communities that is at all times professional and undertaken with dignity and deference.”
