UK funeral firm membership (Category A) applies to businesses engaged in (but not necessarily exclusively) the practice of funeral directing within the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Working together as a profession, in the public interest, has never perhaps been more important as it has in the last few years – and with the introduction of regulation this year, it will remain so, going forward too. In joining the NAFD, you can feel confident that the Association has got your back, will guide you on the challenges ahead and will be there when you need support.

Please note: prior to application, applicants for funeral home membership must be fully compliant with the requirements of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021, including the requirement to display pricing and other information, in specified formats and locations online and in branch.

Criteria for UK funeral firm membership

  • The business applying for membership must have been open and trading – under its current ownership – for a minimum of six months or have conducted a minimum of ten funerals since trading commenced (open for business), whichever comes first.NB: For firms where one of the owners is a holder of the NAFD Diploma in Funeral Directing – or a funeral-directing vocational qualification – there is no minimum trading period, but the business must be open and trading.
  • Category A members are required to register the trading names and addresses of all funeral directing outlets under their control, including all branch offices (providing the same service). This can be under one membership, or as separate memberships.

Benefits of UK funeral firm membership

Advocacy

There is a real benefit in being part of an organisation that has built a trusted reputation with the Government as an advisor on deceased management policy decisions and that is fighting hard on your behalf.

Guidance

NAFD has worked tirelessly to shape the kind of recommendations that the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is making to Government and, recognising the likely future requirements, is reshaping itself to provide the right support to its members to help them operate in this very different regulatory future.

Standards

This industry-wide standard that we launched in 2020 enables you to demonstrate to consumers that you are an open and accountable business. Reassuring people that you are operating to high standards – against which you are regularly inspected – abide by our Code of Practice and offer access to an independent redress service are important marketing tools for your business, setting you apart from non-member firms in your area.

Business support

Membership of the NAFD saves you money in running your business, often far more than the membership subscription you pay. This includes:

  • £5m professional indemnity cover for your business*: the NAFD is the only trade association in the sector that automatically provides £5m professional indemnity cover to each Category A member firm
  • NAFD Legal Advisory Service: access to an employment & HR advisory service, along with other legal support
  • £150,000 employment claims insurance*
  • £150,000 health and safety prosecution insurance*
  • £150,000 HMRC and VAT investigation insurance*

* NAFD is an appointed representative of SEIB Insurance Brokers which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

funeral-directory.co.uk

A dedicated website that delivers leads to NAFD members across the UK by providing a central database of members to the public, complete with service information and reviews. The addition of pricing information ensures consumers have everything they need to pick up the phone to you and more than meets the transparency and information requirements being set out by the CMA.

Independent complaints process

You are required to have access to an independent complaints process by law and NAFD Resolve, our independent complaints and conciliation service is funded by the NAFD and independently operated by IDRS Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. There are no costs payable by the member firm or the complainant.

Funeral Director Monthly

As a funeral firm member you receive a free hard copy and a free digital copy of the award-winning Funeral Director Monthly, each month – and you can also promote your business through free editorial too.