Cumberland Council’s Bereavement Service has received the top 'Gold Standard' award in a recent assessment. The service was assessed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) as part of the Charter for the Bereaved Process for Burial and Cremation.
Adoption of the Charter is a clear statement that the Council intends to continually review and improve its services to the bereaved. Awards on the charter can be given in either Bronze, Silver or Gold. They are based on a self-assessment process which is then externally checked by the ICCM and an inspector is sent out to check the process in person.
The service achieved 100% in all 18 essential charter categories of assessment and scored highly in the enhanced categories, which increases the choices and options available to the bereaved. Categories assessed include burial procedures, grave choice, cemetery memorials, cemetery safety, communication, environmental issues, regulations and staff and expertise.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Vibrant and Healthy Places said: “I’m so pleased that we have got the top award for our bereavement service. We take real pride in the service we provide across Cumberland, helping people at this most difficult time in their lives. The team work with compassion and sensitivity and I’m very pleased to see this recognition of their achievements and I would like to thank all those involved."