Charter for the Bereaved

An introduction to services provided under the charter

Our intention is to offer a high standard of care and options. We want to enable each member of the community to arrange a funeral which is meaningful to them and their family. An important part of this service is to care for the environment and use nature and wildlife to enhance our city's cemeteries.

We have adopted the Charter for the Bereaved, issued by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

The Charter is a commitment to improving the services offered. Its aims are to confront rather than disguise the death experience and reduce ignorance. The Charter defines the rights of the bereaved and offers greater influence over funeral arrangements, thereby controlling costs and potentially improving satisfaction levels.

The Charter currently guarantees 35 rights, which have been integrated into our services. It is a written statement of what can be expected when you use our service.

A copy of the Charter for the Bereaved is available in leaflet form at Bushbury Crematorium and the Bereavement Centre at the Civic Centre. A full reference version is available for borrowing (by deposit) from the Bereavement Centre.

The majority of people know little about funerals and how they can organise a funeral to satisfy their beliefs, lifestyle or other needs. We are committed to giving you the knowledge that you require, at this most distressful time, to be in control when a funeral needs to be arranged. We can advise you about how to organise the funeral and instruct a funeral director to meet your personal and financial needs. A series of free leaflets is available.