National Association of Funeral Directors

National Association of Funeral Directors The voice of the profession The NAFD is the voice of the funeral profession.

We are proud to represent the views and interests of funeral directors from the smallest independent to the largest national provider. Our goal is to support our members in caring for the bereaved and the deceased in their care, as well as amplifying our members' voices to ensure that the funeral sector is front and centre in the media and in all of the UK’s Parliaments and Assemblies. The NAFD is the largest trade association for the UK funeral sector with around 4,000 funeral homes represented alongside hundreds of funeral sector suppliers and international funeral firms. The size and diversity of our membership gives us the authority to represent the sector’s views to the highest levels of Government as well as the media and general public.

The UK Government has published its interim update on the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations. Of the 75 recommendat...
16/12/2025

The UK Government has published its interim update on the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations. Of the 75 recommendations, 11 are accepted in full, 43 in principle, and 21 remain under consideration.

Recommendations affecting the funeral sector are still under review, with a full Government response due by Summer 2026. Ministers acknowledge that care of the deceased remains inconsistent and fragmented across the system. You can find a full list of recommendations here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuller-inquiry-government-interim-update-on-phase-2-recommendations/interim-update-on-government-progress-in-responding-to-the-fuller-inquiry-phase-2-report -accepted-in-full.

NAFD CEO Andrew Judd welcomes renewed calls for regulation. You only get one chance to say goodbye and so standards matter. We are calling for wholesale reform of the entire death management pathway and a new independent statutory regulatory framework for funeral services. We will keep our members updated.

Registration for the National Funeral Exhibition is now open! Join 4,500+ professionals for three days of innovation, ne...
11/12/2025

Registration for the National Funeral Exhibition is now open!

Join 4,500+ professionals for three days of innovation, networking and the latest products shaping the future of the funeral sector.

Secure your place and be part of the industry’s leading global event.
👉 tinyurl.com/nfe-registration

NAFD in the Community: Regional Member Engagement Late November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith travelling across the So...
09/12/2025

NAFD in the Community: Regional Member Engagement

Late November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith travelling across the South West and South Coast to meet members and represent the Association at local events.

Swindon: Darryl attended the opening of Hillier Funeral Service’s fourth funeral home, Lime Kiln House.

Bournemouth: He joined the Bournemouth and District Association meeting, discussing municipal crematorium provision and the UK Funeral Director Code and recognising Roger Smith’s service as Honorary Secretary.

Corfe Mullen & Ferndown: Darryl visited the Lesley Shand funeral home in Corfe Mullen and A. E. Jolliffe & Sons in Ferndown, spending time with their teams and seeing first-hand the commitment behind their NAFD membership.

Cornwall: He also attended the Cornwall Area NAFD annual dinner dance at the St. Mellion Estate, enjoying the warm hospitality and the opportunity to connect with members from across the region.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) warmly welcomes the Scottish Government’s decision to lay the Hydro...
03/12/2025

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) warmly welcomes the Scottish Government’s decision to lay the Hydrolysis (Scotland) Regulations before the Scottish Parliament.

This represents a positive and progressive step toward expanding dignified, sustainable end of life choices for the public.

Andrew Judd, NAFD'S Chief Executive Officer said: “The introduction of hydrolysis regulations marks an important milestone for bereaved families in Scotland. Offering meaningful choice at the end of life is central to the NAFD’s values, and we fully support the inclusion of hydrolysis as a safe, dignified, and modern alternative to burial or cremation.”

We look forward to engaging with members, regulators and the wider sector as if approved, these Regulations will progress toward implementation in March 2026.

Representatives of the NAFD in Northern Ireland had a highly productive meeting with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins...
03/12/2025

Representatives of the NAFD in Northern Ireland had a highly productive meeting with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today to press home our case for change in taxi legislation where it affects funeral limousines. The Northern Ireland Executive is reviewing the Class C element of the Taxis Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, and the NAFD believes that current regulation in Northern Ireland - which classifies funeral limousines the same as for-hire taxis - is onerous, disproportionate, and significantly hampers bereaved people having access to an important part of the grieving process by travelling together in a funeral car.

We thank the Minister for her time and look forward to her report and recommendations, which are expected in the early part of 2026.

The NAFD was represented Emma Moore, Stephen Larkin, Jamie Bracewell and Nick Britten.

NAFD representatives from Northern Ireland are meeting Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today to discuss our case for...
28/11/2025

NAFD representatives from Northern Ireland are meeting Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today to discuss our case for changes to taxi legislation. The NAFD has been working hard to encourage separating funeral limousines from general taxi regulations as we feel they are onerous, disproportionate and do not benefit bereaved people.

Funeral limousines are not for-hire taxis and so should not be subject to the same tough regulations that are having a huge effect on our ability to provide limousines for bereaved people. We believe Northern Ireland should create parity with the rest of the UK, which does not place heavy restrictions on funeral limousines.

Funeral business in Northern Ireland – have your say now by completing the Northern Ireland Executive survey on how the regulations affect your business, live until December 5th.

Click here - tinyurl.com/NI-direct-review

Today’s Budget statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Government’s plans to tackle the cost of living cris...
26/11/2025

Today’s Budget statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Government’s plans to tackle the cost of living crisis, increase tax revenues, reduce NHS waiting lists and cut national debt. These decisions affect households, high-street businesses and the wider economy.

Businesses are continuing to absorb rising costs, particularly fuel, staffing and wages. The April increase in minimum wage adds further pressure during what remains a very challenging period. The OBR now predicts 1.5% UK growth this year (up from 1%) and inflation easing back to the 2% target by 2027.

Minimum wages will rise across all age groups, with the National Living Wage reaching £12.71 for over 21s. The Youth Employment Guarantee will provide paid placements to young people unemployed for 18 months or more, and apprenticeships for under-25s will be fully funded for SMEs.

Tax thresholds for NI and income tax will remain frozen until after 2028, while taxes on savings and investments will rise. Benefits including PIP, DLA and Carer’s Allowance will increase by 3.8%, and the state pension will rise by 4.8%. The two-child benefit cap will be scrapped from April.

Electric vehicles will face mileage-based road tax from 2028, while fuel duty remains frozen until September 2026.

This is a demanding time for the sector, and NAFD will continue supporting members of all sizes. Full sector impact and reaction will feature in next month’s FDM.

We were delighted to hear NAFD Past President and our Welsh President Philip Blatchly on BBC Radio Wales Drive earlier t...
21/11/2025

We were delighted to hear NAFD Past President and our Welsh President Philip Blatchly on BBC Radio Wales Drive earlier this afternoon, speaking about the vital work carried out by funeral directors during the Covid pandemic, offering important insight into the challenges faced by the profession during an unprecedented time. His contribution followed the publication of the Covid Inquiry’s second report issued on the 20th November.

Our sincere thanks go to Phil for representing the sector and share his experience so clearly and professionally.

If you’d like to listen, you can find Phil’s segment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002m7w7? at the 33 minute mark.

November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith continuing his international and UK engagement, celebrating industry milestones...
17/11/2025

November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith continuing his international and UK engagement, celebrating industry milestones and strengthening global connections.

28 Oct–1 Nov: The NAFD proudly exhibited at the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. Over three busy days, Darryl and a team of dedicated volunteers connected with overseas members and engaged with colleagues from the NFDA, building valuable international relationships and interest for NFE.

7 Nov: Toronto, Canada: Darryl also visited Arbor Memorial, where he was welcomed by Steven Reynolds for a tour of two of their impressive facilities. He appreciated the opportunity to meet Vince Farano and Andrew Hopper and exchange insights on funeral service practice.

8 Nov: Darryl was honoured to join the celebration of G. Saville & Son’s 150th anniversary. This remarkable milestone reflects generations of service to the local community and he extends thanks to London Association President Adrian Saville for the invitation.

Today, we pause to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service. At 11am we’ll stand together with peop...
11/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service.

At 11am we’ll stand together with people across the nation for the two-minute silence.

We set sail once more this month to fly the NAFD flag overseas, proudly exhibiting at the NFDA International Convention ...
06/11/2025

We set sail once more this month to fly the NAFD flag overseas, proudly exhibiting at the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. It was a fantastic three days spent connecting with our overseas members, potential new ones and our valued friends at the NFDA.

With a team of dedicated volunteers helping to champion the NAFD, we forged meaningful connections with funeral professionals from around the world. The pace of international collaboration continues to build, driven by our growing presence at global events and the shared ambition to strengthen ties ahead of NFE 2026.

Another proud moment for the NAFD this weekend.Following CEO Andrew Judd’s appearance on BBC Breakfast yesterday, Past P...
02/11/2025

Another proud moment for the NAFD this weekend.

Following CEO Andrew Judd’s appearance on BBC Breakfast yesterday, Past President John Adams features on BBC Songs of Praise today, exploring faith, grief and bereavement with Christians in the Midlands.

This episode includes a visit to a bereavement friendly church, highlighting how compassion and community can make a difference.

*Tune in to BBC1 at 13:15 to watch.*

We’re proud to see NAFD voices continuing to contribute to national conversations about care and support in bereavement.

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618 Warwick Road
Solihull
B911AA

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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