Cremation and Burial Communication and Education 2026

Papers & Speakers

Tuesday 23 June

From McFunerals to Meaningful Farewells Alain Thys, Founder, The Transformation Architects and Tom Wustenberghs, LLM, EMBA, General Manager, Pontes, and Chairman of the Flemish Association of Public Crematoria
When planning the opening of a new crematorium in 2028, Pontes CEO Tom Wustenberghs refused to simply upgrade facilities. Instead, he wanted to reimagine death care from first principles. This presentation reviews the journey from the first decision to innovate farewells to th full experience and architectural briefings that will make the new site a global benchmark. Highlighting the valuable lessons learned along the way.	In the past few decades, Alain’s teams have influenced the experience of over 500 million customers world-wide, working for brands like Vodafone, Lexus, Grant Thornton and Bordeaux Wines. As founder of The Transformation Architects, Alain is now on a mission to intervene wherever business rules are out of sync with human need, which led him to death care. Tom manages three crematoria in the north-east of Belgium. 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.

From McFunerals to Meaningful Farewells
Alain Thys, Founder, The Transformation Architects and
Tom Wustenberghs, LLM, EMBA, General Manager, Pontes, and Chairman of the Flemish Association of Public Crematoria

When planning the opening of a new crematorium in 2028, Pontes CEO Tom Wustenberghs refused to simply upgrade facilities. Instead, he wanted to reimagine death care from first principles.

This presentation reviews the journey from the first decision to innovate farewells to th full experience and architectural briefings that will make the new site a global benchmark.

Highlighting the valuable lessons learned along the way.

In the past few decades, Alain’s teams have influenced the experience of over 500 million customers world-wide, working for brands like Vodafone, Lexus, Grant Thornton and Bordeaux Wines. As founder of The Transformation Architects, Alain is now on a mission to intervene wherever business rules are out of sync with human need, which led him to death care.

Tom manages three crematoria in the north-east of Belgium. 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.

Wednesday 24 June

Insuring for the after-life: funeral practices through prehistory< Dr John Mitchell, BA, MSt, DPhil (Oxon), Managing Director, Wessex Insurance Brokers Ltd
A brief tour of evolution of funerary practices from prehistoric to modern times.	Dr Mitchell began his career as an academic archaeologist, studying at the Universities of Bristol and Oxford and at the British School of Archaeology in Athens, before moving into insurance. Since 2018, he has been Managing Director of Wessex Insurance Brokers Ltd, which designs bespoke insurance products for niche sectors including commercial archaeology and community and charity groups and business associations including the Funeral Suppliers Association and the British Engineering Manufacturers’ Association.
Dying for Good Design: Can crematoria flex to accommodate everyone’s wishes? Jonathan Healiss, Regional Director, Stride Treglown Architects
Modern Cremation was a radical response to the urbanisation that happened alongside the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century it gradually became normalised so that most funerals now take place at a crematorium. Society is in flux again and as individual attitudes to death and funerals evolve, crematoria must adapt - offering greater flexibility, dignity and sensitivity to individual needs. We will show how our work with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council puts these principles into practice - from the radical reinvention of new builds at Shay Grange and Bierley Wood, to the sensitive refurbishment and reinvigoration of the Victorian cemetery chapel at Oakworth.	Jon is an Architect and Regional Director at Stride Treglown’s Manchester studio. His recent collaboration with Bradford City Council created a new typology in Crematoria design at Shay Grange (and the soon to be open Bierley Wood) as well as an innovative refurbishment at Oakworth, a converted Victorian Cemetery chapel in the most beautiful location. These new-build and refurbishment projects are potential exemplars for future developments in the sector, as it responds to major changes in society.
Scottish Regulations Update 2026 David McNaughton, NAFD (DipFA), QICCM (DipHons), National Operations Manager, Horizon Cremation
2026 marks a significant formalisation in how bereavement services are regulated in Scotland. This session explores the key changes, including new forms, register requirements, burial updates, and hydrolysis, with a clear focus on operational reality and what these developments mean for the future of the sector.	David McNaughton is an award-winning leader in bereavement services across crematorium operations, funeral direction, and strategic service development. He is currently UK Operations Manager, overseeing multiple crematoria and driving performance, compliance, and growth across the business. David holds diplomas from the NAFD and ICCM, earning the Eickhoff Medal for academic excellence. As a TEST Assessor and Inspector for the FBCA, he remains committed to raising industry standards and supporting staff development across the sector.
Designing Change: Creating Cyprus’ First Crematorium in a Traditionally Burial-Led Culture Mark Doohan, BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA, ARB, Managing Director, Benchmark Architects
Benchmark Architects will present the story behind Cyprus’ first licensed crematorium, Golden Leaves near Paphos; a landmark project marking a significant cultural, legislative and architectural milestone. Led by crematorium specialist Mark Doohan, the keynote explores the decade-long journey from the legalisation of cremation in 2016 to the delivery of a sensitive, sustainable and modern facility, shaped by shifting attitudes, environmental concerns and demand from expatriate and non-Orthodox communities. The session will cover planning, environmental compliance, cultural consultation and public perception, while highlighting how thoughtful architecture can respect religion, tradition, climate and landscape to create meaningful spaces for remembrance, dignity and choice.	Mark Doohan is a RIBA Chartered Architect and Managing Director of Benchmark Architects, a UK-wide commercial architecture and design practice. With more than 20 years’ experience in the architecture and construction industry, Mark has extensive expertise in building design, development, and the management of complex projects. He has led numerous city and town centre mixed-use regeneration and urban redevelopment schemes, with a strong focus on master planning and placemaking. Alongside his professional work, Mark serves as a trustee of a small charitable organisation that provides summer holiday camps for children.
Overview of Department for Work & Pensions Employer Initiatives Lucy Bowman, National Recruitment and Partnership Consultant, Strategic Relationship Team, Department for Work and Pensions
This session will provide an overview of the Department for Work & Pension’s current priorities, and the services and initiatives that can be accessed by employers to support recruitment.	Lucy Bowman works in the Department for Work and Pension’s Strategic Relationship Team. She has worked for the department for over 30 years in a wide variety of roles, including front-line operations, employer and partnership engagement, and policy. Her current role, as a National Recruitment and Partnership Consultant, involves working in partnership with employers and external stakeholders on shared objectives, creating opportunities that transform DWP customers’ lives.

Thursday 25 June

Coroners, Burial and Cremation Policy: Update and Forward Look Terry Davies, Deputy Director – Death Management, Inquiries and Coroner Policy, Ministry of Justice
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.	The unit’s core purpose at the Ministry of Justice is to uphold the dignity of the deceased and to ensure support for their loved ones through our responsibility for a wide range of relevant policy and casework areas. 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.
International Cremation Federation update Tom Wustenberghs, LLM, EMBA, General Manager, Pontes, and Chairman of the Flemish Association of Public Crematoria
TBC	Tom manages three crematoria in the north-east of Belgium. 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.
From Publication to Practice: Implementing the New Crematoria Guidance Note PG5/2(25) Richard Williams, BSc(Hons), EHRB, DipANC, Manager and Chidiebere Igwebuike, Senior Advisor, Local Authority Unit, Environment Agency
The presentation will explain the key requirements of the new Crematoria Guidance Note PG5/2 (25), including key milestones and regulatory timeframes. The session will translate the policy and regulatory requirements of the new guidance into operational reality, setting out how the guidance should be interpreted by regulators and implemented by operators, and how regulatory decisions should be applied consistently in practice.	Richard is an Environmental Health Officer who has a long career of managing local government pollution control functions. He is currently the Local Authority Unit (LAU) Manager which oversees the development and implementation of technical standards for Part B and A(2) industrial regulation on behalf of DEFRA & Welsh Government. He is also a permanent member of the National Regulators Group and oversees the co-ordination of Local Government participation with the UK-BAT process which sets emission standards for heavy industry. He is also a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University. 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 eight years' experience in Environmental Permitting. Chidiebere played a leading role in the recent review and development of the Crematoria Guidance Note PGN 5/2(25), working closely with equipment manufacturers, industry representatives, and regulators. He is also actively supporting Regulators with the practical interpretation and effective implementation of the updated guidance.