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.

This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re encouraging open, honest conversations about end-of-life wishes. It may feel di...
06/05/2026

This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re encouraging open, honest conversations about end-of-life wishes. It may feel difficult but talking now can bring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind for the future.

At the NAFD, we see every day how much it matters when people have shared their wishes. It helps families make informed decisions at an emotional time and ensures every farewell is personal, meaningful, and respectful.

That’s why we believe that funerals matter.

Because every life deserves a dignified farewell and every family deserves the reassurance of high professional standards, care, and transparency when it matters most.

If you’d like guidance or simply want to start the conversation, speak to your local NAFD funeral director. Look for the logo. Look for the lion - your mark of trusted, professional care.

Let’s break the taboo. Let’s support one another. Let’s talk.

We welcome the announcement from Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP on plans to lead on the regulation of the funeral sec...
18/04/2026

We welcome the announcement from Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP on plans to lead on the regulation of the funeral sector.

For families, this matters. Everyone deserves to know their loved one will be treated with dignity, respect and care and that those who fall short will be held to account.

For our profession, it’s equally important that any changes recognise the reality: the vast majority of funeral professionals uphold the highest standards every day, supporting people through their most difficult moments with compassion and integrity.

We will work with Government to help shape regulation that protects the public, while standing up for the professionalism and commitment of our members.

Dignity in death isn’t optional but the standard our profession is built on

NFE is coming around fast! Join over 4,500 professionals for three days of innovation, networking and the latest product...
07/04/2026

NFE is coming around fast!

Join over 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.

Register Now 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKxr2JMY

NAFD Chief Executive Andrew Judd appeared on BBC Breakfast alongside Emma Hardy MP for Hull West and Haltemprice to disc...
03/04/2026

NAFD Chief Executive Andrew Judd appeared on BBC Breakfast alongside Emma Hardy MP for Hull West and Haltemprice to discuss the importance of funeral standards.

While it was noted there is no requirement for funeral directors to join a trade association, Andrew emphasised that consumers should feel confident asking questions and seeking reassurance.

Andrew added that “NAFD will continue to work alongside Emma Hardy MP and other parliamentarians to shape an effective statutory regulatory framework for funeral directors, as reflected in today’s discussion”.

All agreed: the vast majority of funeral directors are trusted pillars of their communities.

NAFD will continue to push for higher standards - because funerals matter, funeral standards matter, and the deceased and bereaved matter most.

Watch here from 7:15am: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone

Sponsor the National Funeral Exhibition and position your brand at the centre of the UK’s leading funeral industry event...
23/03/2026

Sponsor the National Funeral Exhibition and position your brand at the centre of the UK’s leading funeral industry event - gaining premium visibility, direct access to 4,500+ professionals, and a powerful platform to elevate your presence across the sector.

Check out the options here - tinyurl.com/nfe-sponsor

The Law Commission has published its report on burial and cremation law reform, one of the most significant reviews of t...
18/03/2026

The Law Commission has published its report on burial and cremation law reform, one of the most significant reviews of this legislation in decades.

NAFD has been closely involved throughout and our response highlights both the practical improvements we welcome.

This is an important step towards modernising the legal framework while protecting dignity for the deceased and confidence for bereaved families.

Read our full response - tinyurl.com/nafd-response

The final report - tinyurl.com/gov-report-uk

Get involved in FDM’s April feature: Memorable funerals, highlighting creativity, personalisation, tradition, and the pr...
11/03/2026

Get involved in FDM’s April feature:

Memorable funerals, highlighting creativity, personalisation, tradition, and the practices shaping meaningful final farewells.

NAFD members are invited to share their insights on this topic in FDM at no cost.

Don't forget you can also submit an article at any time for *Member News*.

Click here to get involved - tinyurl.com/fdm-submissions

Deadline for submissions: 15 March

11/03/2026

Scottish Education Day Reminder!

On Saturday 30th May at East Lothian Crematorium (EH21 8XB), join an afternoon of CPD, discussion, and connection with colleagues who understand our profession.

The event will explore the future of funerals, bereavement, and innovation with an expert panel. See the full agenda for all sessions. Street-food refreshments will be provided, with time to reflect and reconnect in a relaxed setting.

View the full agenda here – tinyurl.com/scot-ed-agenda
Registrations are open.

To reserve your place, contact:
Michelle Cuthell, Scotland Secretary
📧 scotlandarea@nafd.org.uk

Important Update: Parliamentary Debate Today.Today, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP (Gosport) will lead an Adjournment Debate...
09/03/2026

Important Update: Parliamentary Debate Today.

Today, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP (Gosport) will lead an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on the ‘Potential merits of reforming the regulation of funeral directors’. An Adjournment Debate is generally an end of day session.

How to watch:
The debate will form part of formal Commons business and can be viewed live and in full online via Parliament’s official Parliament Live TV (https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/12746999-59b3-40ad-90d5-25d7d9a095a6) from 2:30pm. Coverage is also be available later on BBC Parliament.

We will share highlights and key points following the debate.

February saw NAFD President Darryl Smith engaging with members at key Association events. East Midlands: Darryl welcomed...
03/03/2026

February saw NAFD President Darryl Smith engaging with members at key Association events.

East Midlands: Darryl welcomed members attending in person and virtually at the Half Year Meeting at the East Midlands Conference Centre. Discussions focused on proposed changes to the Articles of Association, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and relevant.

Members received updates from Board Chairs and members of the NAFD team. They also heard from keynote speaker Dr Carl Becker, who shared research on the impact of funerals on grieving in society, reinforcing that funerals matter. Thanks were also extended to Felix Meston and CEO Andrew Judd for their presentation on future messaging. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities and a preview of the 2026 Conference venue.

London: Darryl also attended the London Association of Funeral Directors’ annual banquet, thanking President Adrian Saville for the invitation to a fantastic evening of great company and entertainment.

Important Update: Parliamentary Debate Today at 4pmAt 4pm today, there will be a debate in Parliament at Westminster on ...
03/03/2026

Important Update: Parliamentary Debate Today at 4pm

At 4pm today, there will be a debate in Parliament at Westminster on environmental inspections of funeral homes, led by Mark Seward MP. This discussion will focus on the need for stronger oversight and regulation to protect families and communities.

How to watch:
The debate will be part of formal Commons business and can be viewed live and in full online via Parliament’s official Parliament Live TV service (parliamentlive.tv), which streams proceedings from both the House of Commons chamber and additional debate spaces such as Westminster Hall.
Coverage may also be available later on BBC Parliament, which regularly broadcasts live and recorded parliamentary debates.

We will issue the highlights and key points following the debate.

Address

618 Warwick Road
Solihull
B911AA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441217111343

Website

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