Entrusting a loved one to the care of a funeral director, at a time when you are grieving, is an important decision.
Why choose an NAFD member
A really good funeral director does more than simply help you organise the funeral. They are at your side through the first few weeks after someone has died, supporting you through the process of saying goodbye – and providing you with as much, or as little, support as you need.
That’s why it’s critical to choose a funeral home that works hard to achieve a consistently high standard of professional and compassionate service – and is prepared to be regularly assessed on whether it achieves this.
Funeral homes that are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors are inspected regularly and must abide by the Funeral Director Code.
- Provide you with a wide range of choices, and work with you to arrange any specific funeral wishes the deceased person or family might have, or any financial considerations you might be working with.
- Care for your loved one as if they were a member of their own family, ensuring that all your requests for their care are met.
- Be experienced in all of the steps that need to happen after a death, ensuring all of the necessary paperwork is completed ahead of the funeral service.
- Support you with any specific faith or cultural rituals, or sourcing the appropriate support if they are unable to deliver any aspect of the these customs themselves.
- Be there when you need them. Most NAFD members operate a 24-hour helpline so you can contact them whenever you need their support.
All UK funeral directors are required to make pricing information easily accessible for customers. In funeral home windows, you will be able to find a ‘Standardised Price List’, which all UK funeral firms must complete, showing you the cost of simple funeral services that they can provide. If you prefer to choose other options for the funeral you are arranging, you can also look at their Additional Options Price List, which sets out a wider range of products, packages and services they can provide you with instead. Inside the funeral home, you will find posters or displays containing the Standardised Price List. Another poster will set out details of local cremation prices and payment terms, as well as information about which company owns the funeral home and any gifts, sponsorships or donations of £250 or above to connected organisations, such as hospices and care homes. On funeral home websites, you should find copies of price lists, local cremation fees and payment terms, as well as information about who owns the funeral home and any donations they make.
Should your loved one die abroad and need to be repatriated to the UK, NAFD members can help here too. With the help of the NAFD’s free repatriation helpline, our members can put you in touch with people who are experienced in this area or manage the repatriation for you.
NAFD Resolve
Should you be unhappy with any aspect of the care provided to you by your chosen NAFD member firm, the NAFD offers an independent complaints service, called NAFD Resolve, providing reassurance that any concerns will be properly addressed.
