I welcome the recommendations outlined in the Fuller Inquiry’s phase 2 interim report, particularly the call to establish an independent statutory regulatory regime for funeral directors in England as a matter of urgency. This is a crucial step towards ensuring the security and dignity of the deceased.
While the inquiry was initially commissioned to investigate inappropriate and unlawful actions in the mortuaries at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and why they went apparently unnoticed, the phase 2 interim report’s findings resonate deeply with people in Hull and East Yorkshire, in light of the distressing case involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors which followed the inquiry’s commissioning. It is imperative that we take these lessons to heart and act swiftly to implement robust regulatory measures. Our loved ones deserve the utmost respect in their final arrangements and I will continue to campaign for this essential reform.
Here are the recommendations from the phase 2 interim report- The Inquiry is unable to investigate these allegations itself and is not able to commentspecifically on matters that are the subject of ongoing criminal investigations. However, we highlight the existence of these allegations in order to emphasise the urgent need for independent statutory regulation in the sector.
Recommendation 1
– The UK government should establish an independent statutory regulatory regime for funeral directors in England as a matter of urgency in order to safeguard the security and dignity of the deceased. This regime should include a licensing scheme, mandatory standards against which funeral directors should be inspected regularly, and enforcement powers. The Inquiry would expect to be informed by the government what this statutory regulatory regime will be before publication of the Inquiry’s Final Report.
Recommendation 2
– These regulations and standards should be considered within the overall care and journey of the deceased rather than applying in isolation to funeral directors. This will be explored further and commented on by the Inquiry in the Final Report of Phase 2.
Recommendation 3
– The standards should include details of mandatory information to be given to customers by funeral directors to provide transparency about the care of the deceased, including information on measures to protect their security and dignity, and what should be expected of funeral directors’ services.
Recommendation 4
– Direct cremation businesses should also be considered in this context, and mandatory standards to protect the security and dignity of the deceased should be applied to these businesses and to any emerging new models of delivery of care for the deceased.
Recommendation 5
– While the introduction of a proportionate statutory regulation and inspection regime may require significant adjustment by funeral director organisations, it is the view of the Inquiry that the benefit to customers and the need for public confidence outweigh the difficulties that may be experienced by some businesses.
You can read the full report here- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/david-fuller-inquiry-phase-2-interim-report
