Papers & Speakers

The Environment Agency has a duty to protect the quality of groundwater, which feeds roughly a third of England’s public water supply.

Over the last few years the Environment Agency has updated its approach to cemetery developments such that the level of regulatory control is proportionate to the environmental risks posed by a proposal.

This presentation explains the thought processes behind these changes, what this means for both existing and prospective cemetery developers, and how you can influence future changes.

During this presentation we will highlight the technical issues that are currently relevant in technical crematorium management. Naturally, we will focus on sustainable cremation and consider the drivers and possible measures that crematoria can take to work more sustainably. Alternative fuels will also be discussed, although there is no clear-cut solution. In this context, it is also important to be able to measure and monitor the ecological footprint of a crematorium so that a crematorium can demonstrate that it is making an effective contribution to the climate challenges. In the field of emission measurements, the TSC is working on a proposal for a recommendation for a European emission standard based on current practices in various European countries.

He originally started his career at the bar and worked for 14 years as city manager in a municipality and for the local police. Tom is also Chairman of the Flemish Association of Public Crematoria, is actively involved in the ICF (International Cremation Federation) and ECN (European Cremation Network), is member of the board of a Dutch crematorium, and finally is also a judge in the Court of Labour.

In 2024, Worthing Crematorium made history by conducting the world's first cremations using hydrogen instead of natural gas. This presentation will walk you through the motivations behind this groundbreaking initiative, the implementation process, and the key results from the trial.

We'll then explore electric cremator alternatives, offering a straightforward comparison of both approaches—hydrogen and electric—in terms of energy efficiency, operational costs, carbon emissions, and practical considerations for crematorium operators. Finally, we'll conclude with clear recommendations to help other crematoria develop effective decarbonisation strategies for the future.

Working in bereavement services has been more of a calling than simply a job. He takes immense pride and satisfaction in knowing that his work positively impacts those who visit their sites. Leading this service has also enabled him to bring a Funeral Director’s perspective into the council setting, which has been invaluable in engaging effectively with stakeholders.

James is also a school governor, which has strengthened his connection with the local community where he lives and works. This role has provided opportunities to support school staff in understanding and helping children who have lost a parent.

An overview of the cremation sector in Italy; the consequences of the pandemic on the cremation sector and post-pandemic changes. A reflection on the needs of the cremation and funeral sectors in Italy today.

Fabrizio Gombia is the General Manager at the Society of Cremation of Turin Aps, a non-profit company established in 1883.

He is a Vice President of the ICF and the coordinator of the “cremation sector” for S.e.f.i.t., President of “Coincre s.r.l.” society of cremation of Bra in Piedmont, and CEO of “Servizi per la Cremazione s.r.l.”, a company that provides administrative, technical and management services in both human and pet cremation and in the funeral sector in general.

An insight into how challenging the landscape of regulation (CMA/FCA) has been for funeral directors, including the new medical examiner regime, the Scottish Government’s statutory code of practice and prospective licencing.

What might the final report from the Fuller Inquiry bring? What were the learnings from local authority funeral home visits during 2024?

There remains the commercial challenges with online direct cremation providers’ multi-million pound mass marketing.

The Law Commission’s engaging 13th Chapter consultation is occurring.

This is a dynamic era in which to be a funeral director.

Terry has been CEO of SAIF for over nine years during the rapid changes of regulation and shift in the funeral services market. He is passionate about advocating for independent funeral directors whether in the four nations’ parliaments or through developing SAIF’s leadership team and education services.

Formerly UK CEO of one of the largest and most effective anti-slavery NGO’s, Terry continues to raise the horror of modern slavery across the globe and in the UK during his spare time.

It is an honour to present at the CBCE in this most prestigious of conferences.

As a society the desire to be more environmentally aware and live more sustainably has never been stronger and now permeates every aspect of our lives. The cremation movement is no exception and along with all other sectors is facing increasing levels of scrutiny from government, service users and the public.

What is the history behind this desire for a greener world and what are the steps that crematorium managers can take to deliver more sustainable services and provide species rich habitats for their communities to celebrate.

Brendan Day is the Founder and Director of the Greener Globe Funeral Standard, the only environmental audit which has been specifically designed for the bereavement sector, including crematoria, cemeteries, funeral directors and suppliers. As a Senior Service Manager he has 35 years’ experience at the FBCA and 5 councils delivering a variety of services to the bereaved, and managed CAMEO the national mercury abatement scheme.

Professionally he has held positions on the FBCA Executive Committee, is a Fellow and Life Member of the ICCM where he has been a Director, Tutor, and Examiner for the Law of Burial, Cremation and Exhumation, and Secretary for the Cremation Technicians Training Scheme. He has had several articles published and presented at a range of events. He completed his MBA at Birmingham University on the impact of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on crematoria.

In December, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper. In it, the Government set out their plans to complete the map of English Devolution, with the ambition to establish a strategic authority in each part of the country and deepen the powers available to these institutions. In addition, they intend to facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation, particularly in two tier areas. There are also plans to reform local audit and workforces, amongst others.

Areas are already moving fast with local proposals. The Devolution Priority Programme has been established in six areas, including Cumbria and Essex, whilst areas invited to reorganise were expected to submit interim proposals at the end of March.

Collectively, the White Paper has been described in some quarters as the biggest change to local government in fifty years.

Alex Howell – Adviser for Devolution and Local Growth at the Local Government Association – will outline the key aspects of the White Paper and some of the emerging implications for burial and cremation authorities.

Alex is an Adviser within the Policy team at the Local Government Association. His role focuses on devolution and local growth.

He joined the LGA in June 2024 after over two years at Manchester City Council. Alex was the Policy and Strategy Liaison Officer to the Chief Executive. He began his career in local government in 2020 as a member of the National Graduate Development Programme at Doncaster City Council.

The Law Commission of England and Wales is undertaking a project reviewing the law on burial, cremation and new funerary methods.

Its consultation on the first sub-project, on Burial and Cremation, closed in January and the team is analysing responses. They will present on issues arising from the consultation, so this presentation will be an early opportunity to hear from the team about their developing thoughts.

The New Funerary Methods sub-project will go out to consultation in the summer. This will be an opportunity to hear about the matters they will be consulting on and ask questions to help inform your response.

Professor Alison Young is the Law Commissioner for Public Law and the Law in Wales. She was appointed in 2024. Prior to that, she was a legal academic and a legal advisor to the House of Lords select committee on the Constitution. She holds the Sir David Williams Professorship of Public Law at the University of Cambridge. As a Commissioner, she is leading the project on new funerary methods.

Andrew Bazeley is the lead Lawyer on the Law Commission’s Burial and Cremation sub-project, part of the overall Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods project. He previously worked on the Commission’s review of surrogacy law. Before joining the Commission he worked in a range of policy and advocacy roles in Westminster, local government and the charity sector.

The presentation will explore recent changes shaping the funeral sector in Scotland. It will cover the launch of the Funeral Sector Register, now the central point for information on funeral providers, and the introduction of a Statutory Inspection Regime and the implementation of the Funeral Director Code of Practice. We'll also look at progress towards a licensing scheme for funeral directors, recent changes to burial regulations, and updates to the official burial application forms and guidance.

David McNaughton is an award-winning leader in bereavement services across the crematorium operations, funeral direction, and strategic service development. He serves as the Manager of The Hurlet Crematorium, twice awarded Crematorium of the Year at the Scottish Funeral Awards and recognised nationally for innovation and customer support. David holds diplomas from the NAFD and ICCM, earning the Eickhoff Medal for academic excellence. As a TEST Assessor for the FBCA, he is committed to raising industry standards and supporting staff development.

In today’s fast-evolving cremation industry, increasing demand, stricter environmental regulations, and operational efficiency targets are converging. Success now depends not only on the capabilities of cremation equipment but also on the skill and decision-making of the operator. This presentation explores the critical relationship between machine and human, examining how both must work in harmony to meet performance benchmarks—reducing cremation times, managing volume, improving environmental outcomes, and maintaining operational excellence. Attendees will gain insight into optimizing both technology and technique to achieve the industry's shared goals.

Mike Hardaker serves as the Sales Manager for the UK and Australasia at Facultatieve Technologies (FT), while Ashley Jessup leads as the Systems Engineering Manager. Together, they bring extensive expertise and a forward-thinking approach to the cremation and abatement industry.

With over a decade of experience within FT, Mike has developed deep knowledge in project engineering, management, and international sales, having successfully delivered projects across Europe, Australasia, and Asia.

Over a similar period, Ashley has progressed from a global commissioning engineer to becoming a key figure in the innovation and development of cremation and abatement technologies. His work focuses on advanced software and systems design, shaping the next generation of FT's technical solutions.

Founded in 1908, Facultatieve is a global leader in the development of state-of-the-art cremation and incineration equipment. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to the highest emission standards whilst providing a 20-year design life on its equipment, supported by flexible long-term maintenance agreements tailored to client needs.

An update on the medical examiner system which became statutory on 9 September 2024.

The death certification reforms commenced on 9 September 2024, hence it is now a statutory requirement that all deaths are scrutinised by either a Coroner or a medical examiner before a death is registered. The system now ensures that all “medical certificates of the cause of death” are accurately completed, and that the cause of death is communicated and explained to the bereaved. It enables bereaved people to raise concerns, and ensure any issues with care are identified promptly. This in turn will enable improvements in services and consequently patient care as a whole. Good practice guidance and good practice series papers on specific topics published by the national medical examiner support medical examiners to provide a consistent and high quality service.

Dr Hemsley also works as an ME in Portsmouth, and has personally scrutinized over 3000 deaths since 2019, including during the Covid 19 pandemic. She maintains her skills in Geriatric medicine, working clinically at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. She has a specialist interest in Parkinson’s disease.

This presentation will provide a progress update on the Ministry of Justice’s activities within the death management space and provide an overview of the programme of work they are looking to take forward over the coming months.

We seek to provide a framework for burials, cremations and emerging alternatives that is modern and fit for purpose. The unit seeks to ease the burden for grieving parents by administering the Children’s Funeral Fund for England efficiently and with compassion. In addition, Terence is also responsible for coroner law and policy, and works collaboratively with the Chief Coroner, her office, coroners and local authorities to ensure that coroner services are delivered effectively and that bereaved families remain at the heart of the system.

During 2020, DEFRA in conjunction with the devolved governments of the UK, commissioned the LAU (Local Authority Unit) to review existing environmental compliance requirements for the cremation industry. During the proceeding years the LAU in conjunction with the sector has developed and agreed new BAT (Best Available Techniques) which sets out new environmental performance standard. The LAU will be providing the delegates with an overview of the main changes that the new guidance introduces and provide insight as to how it intends to support regulators and industry during the implementation phase.

Chidiebere Igwebuike is a Senior Advisor in the Local Authority Unit (LAU) of the Environment Agency, where he provides technical and permitting advice to Local Authorities in England and Wales on the activities they regulate, including the cremation of human remains. He holds an MSc in Energy and Environmental Management and has over seven years' experience in Environmental Permitting. Chidiebere assisted in the recent review of the Crematoria Guidance Note PGN 5/2(12).

This session will offer an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its applications and the ethical considerations surrounding its rise. We will explore AI’s growing influence and delve into ethical concerns such as privacy, data security and trust.

Designed to provoke thoughtful discussion, the session will examine how AI can support bereavement, where empathy and trust are essential. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of AI’s opportunities and challenges, and strategies for responsible, ethical use in emotionally sensitive contexts.