Funeral Industry News

Updated Draft Funeral Director: Code of Practice

January 23, 2023 by funeral-industry-news No Comments | Category Funeral directors, Funeral services

Today (23 January) an updated draft of the Funeral Director: Code of Practice was published.

The updated draft Code will be key to underpinning the statutory inspection of funeral directors in Scotland.

The first iteration of the draft Code was published on the Scottish Government website in June 2019. It was developed with significant input from a range of funeral director businesses and representatives. A consultation on the draft Code took place between June and September 2019 which received 86 responses. Focus groups with representatives from small and independent funeral directors businesses were also held. The analysis of these consultations was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was published in February 2021.

The draft Code was revised to take on board feedback from the public consultation and the revised version was further consulted on with key stakeholders in April 2022. The Code’s content was then further refined taking account of the further consultation feedback.

You are encouraged to read the updated draft Code.

This updated draft Code has not yet been laid before or approved by the Scottish Parliament in terms of section 97 of the 2016 Act. After the draft is approved by Parliament, funeral directors will be given a period of time to meet the requirements, after which the Code will then be issued by Ministers. Only at the point of issue by Ministers will the duties to comply with the Code apply. However, the draft Code captures best practices for funeral directors, and you are encouraged to work towards meeting its requirements.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our stakeholders and the Inspectors of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors in Scotland who have played a key part in the development of the draft Code this far.

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