David Fuller Inquiry Statement
As a 10th generation family funeral business, rooted in the values of ‘Caring for the living and the dead’, we cautiously welcome Sir Jonathon Michael’s recommendation for regulation to the funeral sector, following the enquiry of the David Fuller Case. It is always important to ensure that regulation achieves its intended goal and to do so, it must be proportionate and relevant, increasing trust and confidence in the funeral sector, amongst the public.
FJD Field, 7th generation of the Field family in funeral service, was a leading light in the creation of the London Association of Funeral Directors, that led to the creation of the National Association of Funeral Directors, nearly 120 years ago, recognising the importance of reassuring the public of the standards delivered by funeral directors. In recent years Jeremy Field our CEO, has played an active role in innovating the sectors approach to regulation and participated in the consultations leading to the publication of this initial report.
CPJ Field are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors because we believe in the importance of third-party scrutiny of our service standards and the assurance this offers bereaved people. We recognise that standards regulation by a membership body in a market where trade association membership is not mandatory is not perfect, but in the absence of any alternatives, it has been the best solution available in our efforts to reassure grieving families of the standard of service they can expect from us.
In light of recent coverage of the profession, we welcomed environmental health officers to our funeral homes; a request from the Ministry of Justice to local authorities, asking for feedback on funeral directors across England. We support this independent scrutiny and the opportunity to open our doors, for the reassurance of both government bodies and the public.
We will continue to engage with the findings of the report and look forward to the opportunity to help shape the future regulation of the sector, reflective of our responsibility to bereaved people at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
