Charter for the Bereaved and Code of Cremation Practice
It is a written statement of what can be expected and enables people to judge the quality of the service received. The charter has been adopted by local authorities, private companies and others providing burial and cremation facilities throughout the United Kingdom.
The Charter guarantees 33 rights, and these are integrated into the services provided at the crematorium. We regard the Charter Rights as a minimum standard, and we are striving to provide a service that exceeds these basic requirements.
This Charter:
- is a commitment to improving the service by confronting rather than disguising the death experience, and by reducing ignorance
- is intended to define the rights of every individual who experiences bereavement
- will set standards of service related to burial, cremation and funerals generally. It is a written statement of what can be expected and this can act as a measure for judging the service received.
- recognises that bereavement services are critical to the health of the nation, that the benefits of a meaningful funeral are immeasurable, influencing both the physical and mental well-being of us all,
- will give the bereaved greater influence over the arrangement of funerals, thereby controlling costs and offering more satisfaction
Your rights
Cremation procedure
You have a right to organise and conduct a cremation in a dignified and orderly manner, supported by competent, professional and caring crematorium staff.
You have the right to inspect the crematorium under normal working conditions.
Cremated remains and memorialisation
It is your right to be offered a Book of Remembrance memorial, You must also be offered a designated place for floral tributes.
Ceremonies and belief
It is your right to be able to hold a burial or cremation service at a cemetery or crematorium.
It is your right to define the type of religious or secular format of the service, within the constraints of time and decency.
It is your right to define the type of music or other ceremony you wish to have at the service.
Coffins and alternatives
It is your right to choose the type and design of coffin, within the constraints of availability, regulations and safe materials.
It is your right to receive information on obtaining a coffin (bio-degradable type) via your Charter member.
Communication
It is your right to receive a prompt response to any form of communication with a Charter member, within published service standards.
It is your right to be given a table of fees upon request.
Environmental issues
You have a right to be made aware of all known environmental issues relating to bereavement services. Information will be available through this Charter and by direct contact with your local Charter member.
It is your right to receive a service that recognises your needs, without unfairness or discrimination.
Funerals without a funeral director
It is your right to organise a funeral without the use of a funeral director.
It is your right, as an executor (or next of kin) to be given the body by a mortuary, hospital, etc., in order to carry out a funeral without a funeral director.
It is your right to obtain a Family Arranged funeral leaflet from your Charter member describing how to arrange such a funeral.
It is your right to obtain information from your Charter member on how to obtain a coffin (minimum biodegradable type).
Maintenance of grounds
It is your right to be shown a specified standard of grounds maintenance. Where standards fail to meet the specification, you have the right to complain.
Health and safety
It is your right to enter a cemetery or crematorium that is, as far as is reasonably practicable, without risk to your health and safety.
It is your right to be shown a copy of the authority’s health and safety policy, risk assessments and procedural documentation on request.
It is your right to be shown a copy of the authority’s policy relating to the inspection, testing and making safe of memorials.
Regulations
You have a right to be given a list of regulations used by your Charter member.
You have a right to be given a written explanation why a regulation has been used to restrict or otherwise influence your rights.
Where you remain dissatisfied, you can utilise the grievance procedure set out in the Charter.
Staff and expertise
It is your right to receive a quality service provided by trained and/or qualified staff. Where service standards fail, you have a right to question the level of expertise shown and to receive assurances regarding the ability of those involved.
Inspection and guiding principles
It is your right to be offered an inspection of burial or cremation facilities or records at any reasonable time.
It is your right to be given a copy of the Guiding Principles of Burial and Cremation Services by your Charter member.
The rights in the Charter, as listed above, will be available at any cemetery or crematorium whose management has formally adopted the Charter of the Bereaved, referred to as Charter Members. Bramcote Crematorium is managed by a Joint Committee made up of elected members representing Broxtowe Borough Council and Erewash Borough Council.
Copies of the Charter for the Bereaved can be borrowed from the Crematorium Office. Enquiries can be made in person at The Crematorium Office.
FBCA Code of Cremation Practice 2026
- CONDUCT
The cremation of a human body is a significant and often deeply emotional occasion for those taking part in the service. This must never be forgotten
by crematorium staff, who must work together to create and maintain a dignified, respectful, inclusive and professional atmosphere throughout all
proceedings.
2. STAFF
Great care must be taken in appointing members of crematorium staff who act with compassion, professionalism and respect, and who uphold the
standards expected within a modern bereavement service. All staff employed in the operation of cremators must be appropriately trained, competent
and compliant with all current technical, ethical, health and safety, environmental and legal requirements. Ongoing professional development should
be encouraged for all employees.
3. PRIOR TO COMMITTAL
A coffin or container and its contents brought to the crematorium, whether for a service prior to cremation, an unattended cremation, or a service prior
to burial, shall be received through a designated entrance. Reception arrangements must preserve dignity, privacy and respect of the deceased.
If the coffin or container is to be cremated, it shall be transferred appropriately to the crematory. If the service is not to take place immediately, it
shall be placed on the catafalque or moved to secure and sanitary holding facilities within the building. If the coffin is to be removed following a
service prior to burial, suitable arrangements shall be made for dignified removal.
4. AFTER COMMITTAL
A body shall not be removed from the crematorium after the Service of Committal except for a lawful purpose.
Subject to receipt of the necessary authority to cremate, the coffin or container and its contents shall be placed into the cremator exactly as received
and as soon as practicable. Where cremation does not take place on the same day, retention must be with appropriate authority and in circumstances
deemed necessary by the Cremation Authority, including operational, environmental or exceptional circumstances. All bodies retained at the
crematorium must be accommodated in secure, sanitary and respectful conditions.
Once placed in the cremator, the coffin or container and its contents shall not be interfered with until the cremation process is complete. On
completion, all recoverable cremated remains, excluding metals and materials removed in accordance with process requirements, shall be collected
and dealt with in accordance with the applicant’s instructions and current legislation.
5. CORRECT IDENTITY
No coffin or container shall be accepted unless it bears adequate particulars confirming the identity of the deceased person contained therein. If
encased, both the outer cover and inner coffin must bear appropriate identification.
Every care must be taken to ensure correct identification throughout all proceedings, from reception at the crematorium to the final disposal or release
of the cremated remains. Robust tracking and recording systems, including digital systems where used, should be maintained.
6. SEPARATELY CREMATED
Each deceased person given to the care of the Cremation Authority shall be cremated separately. Exceptions may be made, for example in the case of
parent and child, or siblings, where the applicant has made a specific request and where permitted by law and local policy.
7. COFFIN COVERS
Where a reusable cover or other approved reusable product is used, informed authority must be obtained from the applicant for cremation authorising
its use and consenting to its subsequent removal prior to cremation.
8. METAL RESIDUES
Any metal recovered following cremation shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicant’s wishes, the policies of the Cremation Authority,
environmental good practice and any applicable legal requirements.
9. CREMATED REMAINS/ASHES
The utmost care shall be taken to ensure that cremated remains following removal from the cremator are kept separate, correctly identified and
handled with respect at all times. Cremated remains shall be placed in an appropriate container pending collection, release or final disposal.
Where cremated remains are to be scattered or interred in a Garden of Remembrance or other approved location, this shall be conducted with dignity
and respect. Where conveyed by carrier or postal service, they must be packaged, labelled and transported in accordance with current guidance and
transport regulations.
10. CREMATORS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
Cremators and all ancillary equipment used in the crematorium shall be maintained in safe working order, serviced in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations and operated in compliance with all current environmental permits, emissions controls, health and safety standards and relevant
legislation. Investment in modern technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability and service quality should be encouraged.
11. STATUTORY REGULATIONS
All cremations shall be carried out in accordance with the Cremation Acts, all regulations made thereunder, environmental legislation, health and
safety law, data protection requirements and any subsequent legislation or statutory guidance.
12. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Cremation services shall be delivered fairly and without discrimination. Cremation Authorities should respect the diverse cultural, religious, spiritual
and personal needs of bereaved people wherever reasonably practicable, while maintaining legal and operational requirements.
13. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Cremation Authorities should operate with regard to environmental sustainability, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency, waste
minimisation and responsible use of resources, while maintaining the highest standards of care and dignity.
* Disclaimer - Please note that Bramcote Bereavement Services Staff are not trained counsellors and therefore cannot provide professional advice.