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Plan and co-ordinate funeral arrangements

URN: PPLFOS10
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about planning and co-ordinating funeral arrangements, following the arrangement interview to meet client requirements.

This standard is for funeral directors, funeral director assistants and funeral arrangers.

When you have completed this standard you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to:

  • Plan and co-ordinate funeral arrangements

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. use and update all relevant documentation to plan and co-ordinate funeral arrangements in line with client requirements 2. check that funeral arrangements comply with relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice and your funeral business' policies and procedures 3. identify and select internal and third party resources to plan and co-ordinate the funeral including floral tributes 4. ensure the death notice and notification of the funeral is prepared, placed and checked when appropriate 5. follow your funeral business’ procedures for the safe keeping of jewellery, personal effects and donations 6. carry out a risk assessment associated with the accessibility of the location of the funeral, the requirements for carrying the coffin, the use of a wheeled bier and other resources required at the location 7. make arrangements with the relevant local and/or legal authorities to plan the funeral 8. work within limitations of music licensing when arranging music, service sheets and confirming availability for music during the funeral 9. agree and confirm arrangements for broadcast on line of the funeral when  requested by clients 10. agree and confirm arrangements with suppliers of additional services 11. agree and confirm arrangements with the client 12. Communicate client requirements to all parties involved 13. modify and update relevant documentation in line with any changes to the arrangements 14. ensure funeral accounts are itemised and reflect the estimate given to clients during the arrangement meeting 15. take necessary action to deal with any problems arising from incorrect arrangements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the relevant documentation used by your funeral business to plan and co- ordinate funerals and how to update it 2. why you need to check that funeral arrangements comply with relevant regulation, legislation and codes of practice 3. how to identify and select internal and third party resources to plan and co- ordinate the funeral including floral tributes 4. how to prepare and check the death notice and notification of the funeral 5. how to follow your funeral businesses' procedures for the safe keeping of jewellery, personal effects and donations 6. how and when to carry out a risk assessment associated with the accessibility of the location of the funeral and the requirements for carrying the coffin including the resources 7. how to make arrangements with the appropriate authorities 8. what are the limitations in respect of licensing when arranging music and service sheets and confirming availability for music for the funeral 9. what arrangements are required if a client requests that the funeral is broadcast on line 10. how and when to agree and confirm arrangements with suppliers of additional services 11. how and when to agree and confirm arrangements with clients 12. when to modify and update relevant documentation in line with any changes to the arrangements 13. the need to keep funeral accounts itemised to reflect the estimate given to clients during the arrangement 14. how and when to take necessary action to deal with any problems arising from incorrect arrangements

Scope/range

When planning funeral arrangements, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Authorities:
1.1. legal authorities
1.2. local authorities and organisations managing cemeteries and crematoria
1.3. religious establishments
1.4. non-religious buildings/structures

2. Additional products and services:
2.1. embalming
2.2. Newspaper obituaries and other media
2.3. floristry
2.4. catering
2.5. Masonry
2.6. stationery

3. Internal resources:
3.1. funeral personnel
3.2. vehicles
3.3. equipment
3.4. final coffining arrangements

4. Documentation for:
4.1. burial
4.2. cremation
4.3. special arrangements

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

The standards in the funeral operations suite should be complemented by pan-sector standards such as working relationships, business, administration and resource management, as well as any other specific requirements of the employer.

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

People 1st International Ltd

Original URN

PPLFOS10

Relevant Occupations

Funeral Director, Funeral Director’s Assistant, Funeral Services Attendant, Funeral Services Operative, Funeral Arranger

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Funerals; funerary; undertakers; undertaking; plans; planning; coordinates; coordinating; co-ordinates; co-ordinating