Like many across the funeral profession and the wider public, we have followed the conclusion of the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors case involving Robert Bush.
Having heard the full extent of the offences and their impact on so many families, our thoughts are first and foremost with everyone who has been affected. No family should ever have cause to question whether their loved one was treated with dignity, respect and care. We cannot begin to imagine the distress and uncertainty this case has caused, and we extend our sincere sympathies to all those whose lives have been impacted.
This case has understandably affected public confidence, not only in one business but across our profession. That is something that deeply saddens us.
To our local community, we want to offer reassurance that every person entrusted to Neville Funerals is cared for with the utmost dignity and professionalism. From the moment someone comes into our care through to the day of their funeral, every stage is governed by robust procedures, clear records and the highest professional standards by our trained team.
The same care and attention extends to the handling of cremated remains. We have strict identification, recording and auditing processes in place to ensure ashes are cared for respectfully, securely and accurately throughout every stage until they are collected by a family or laid to rest in accordance with their wishes.
As an independent family funeral director, we are proud to maintain the highest professional standards. We are members of both of the UK’s leading funeral trade associations, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Both organisations require us to work to recognised Codes of Practice and professional standards. Our facilities, procedures and records are regularly inspected and reviewed to ensure the care we provide consistently meets those high expectations.
For a number of years, we have supported calls for full statutory regulation of the funeral profession in the UK. While the overwhelming majority of funeral directors provide exceptional standards of care, we believe that clear, consistent regulation across the sector would better protect families, strengthen public confidence, and ensure that every funeral provider is held to the same high standards.
We sincerely hope this case provides further momentum for that work and that meaningful regulation is implemented as soon as possible.
Families place an extraordinary amount of trust in a funeral director at one of the most difficult times in their lives. For us, that trust is never taken for granted. It is a responsibility we are honoured to carry every single day.
To everyone within our community, thank you for the trust you continue to place in us. We remain committed to providing transparent, compassionate and professional care, ensuring every individual entrusted to us and their cremated remains, where applicable, are looked after with the dignity, respect and compassion they deserve.