Campaigners are calling for comprehensive statutory regulation of the funeral industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, citing the scandal involving disgraced funeral director Robert Bush as a catalyst for change. The industry currently operates under a self-regulatory system that relies on voluntary codes and inspections conducted by trade associations. This means individuals can establish funeral director businesses without requiring formal training, registration, or mandatory oversight.
Bush himself acknowledged the industry's lack of stringent regulation during interviews with Humberside Police. When questioned about inspections of facilities like refrigerators, he stated that no one from bereavement services had ever visited to ensure they were in order. He noted that while joining the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) might lead to inspections, there were no penalties for failing to meet standards beyond exclusion from the association.
Evidence suggests that inspections, when they occurred through trade associations, were often superficial, focusing on aspects unrelated to the core function of funeral services. Bush described these checks as examining "whether you've got cushions on your sofa or how many leaflets you have," adding, "I know we're a highly unregulated industry."
The push for regulation follows the Legacy funerals scandal, which has brought to light the systemic issues within the industry. Victims and their families are now advocating for "full statutory regulation" to prevent future abuses and ensure a more accountable funeral service sector. The existing framework, as highlighted by Bush's statements, appears insufficient to guarantee the standards expected by grieving families during a vulnerable time.
The lack of mandatory oversight has raised significant concerns among those affected by the practices of funeral directors like Bush. Campaigners argue that a system relying on voluntary compliance and self-policing by trade bodies is inadequate to protect the public interest and uphold the dignity of the deceased. They are pressing for legislative changes that would introduce mandatory registration, standardized training, and robust inspection regimes for all funeral directors operating in the UK.