A national campaign to raise standards in the funeral sector has secured cross-party political backing from three MPs.
The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA), was launched in May by experienced celebrants Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey, to vet and standardise funeral celebrants and ministers across the UK.
The FOA is fighting to introduce clearer professional standards for those conducting funeral ceremonies across the UK, and their work comes in the wake of a string of scandals.
These include the shocking case of Robert Bush who was recently jailed after admitting 67 offences, including 30 of preventing the lawful burial of a body.
At present there is no formal regulation preventing individuals from conducting funeral ceremonies without recognised training, vetting or accountability processes.
Now, in a major step forward, the FOA’s campaign has now secured the support of four MPs.
They include Mark Sewards, the Labour MP for Leeds and West Morley who has spoken publicly about this issue many times in the past.
He said: “Bereaved families deserve to know that everyone involved in their loved one’s funeral will act with care and professionalism. Any work that gives families greater peace of mind is welcome, which is why I support the Funeral Officiant Authority’s efforts to strengthen safeguards and transparency among funeral celebrants and officiants. As I continue to press the Government for full regulation of the funeral sector, the FOA’s work can improve standards and protect families.”
Those comments were echoed by Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for North Dorset. He said: “It is now abundantly clear that the status quo of a non regulated funeral and mortuary sector is untenable. As a Government Minister I saw first hand the horror of the failures in Hull. Working with colleagues across the Commons we are pressing hard for speedy regulation. The Government is listening and the Prime Minister has said action is needed. So, the question is not whether but when. Speed is of the essence if public confidence is to be maintained. That is what the campaigns are all about.”
The campaign is also being backed by Louie French, MP for Old Bexley, Sidcup and Welling and The Shadow Minister of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He said: “Families should be able to have confidence that the person conducting a loved one’s funeral is properly trained, vetted and accountable. The FOA’s work to raise standards and strengthen safeguards is an important step towards giving bereaved families the professionalism and reassurance they deserve at an incredibly difficult time.”
Gareth Bacon, Conservative MP for Orpington, has also backed the campaign. He said: “This is a time of great vulnerability, and a celebrant enters a bereaved person’s home where they have sensitive information disclosed to them to enable them to understand the deceased person and their family and friends. This raises safeguarding issues.
“I would lend my support to a form of registration for celebrants and I am reassured to know that this is also the aim of professional Celebrants and Funeral Directors.”
Commenting on the MPs support, the FOA said: “We’re hugely grateful that Mark, Simon, Louie and Gareth are backing our calls to raise standards across the sector. “The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA) is dedicated to helping families find trusted, professional officiants to deliver meaningful and personal funeral services.
“Through its carefully maintained database, the FOA is committed to supporting families with dignity, care, and professionalism during life’s most difficult moments.”