11/02/2026
The Funeral Service Specialist.
The Funeral Service Specialist is exactly as advertised, a 'specialist' within all aspects of the funeral arrangement process, an individual who has a breadth of knowledge, expansive skill set and wealth of experience.
Here at John Drage our Funeral Service Specialists are Sam and Carol, fixtures of John Drage for many years now.
The ladies will ordinarily be a families primary point of contact when making arrangements for their loved one and she leaves no stone unturned when acting on behalf of families.
As Funeral Service Specialists Sam and Carol are responsible for the below;
* Receiving First Calls. A first call being the first instance in which a family has phoned us, ordinarily so in the hours immediately following a loved ones passing.
* Discussing Next Steps. They will advise families of what happens in the hours, days and weeks following the loss of a loved one. This will include providing advice with registering the death as well as an overview of the funeral arrangement process.
* Making Funeral Arrangements. During the arrangement process they will meet with families either here in our funeral home or within the family home. Sam and Carol will help, advise, guide, listen to and support those she is meeting with to ensure the funeral arrangements are truly representative of their loved one.
* Liaising With Third Parties. The Funeral Service Specialist liaises with multiple third parties on behalf of a family, this can include but is not limited to; Churches and Crematoria, Hospitals & Doctors Surgeries, Registrars, Florists and Celebrants.
* Fleeting. A Funeral Service Specialist such as Sam or Carol is required to give clear and accurate fleeting instructions to our diary manager. Failure to provide these in a timely fashion could result in vehicles and resources being allocated elsewhere.
* Orders Of Service. Working alongside families and celebrants the Funeral Service Specialist is responsible for ensuring the order of service meets the families needs and expectations. This includes checking the dates, spelling, wording and layout of any photo's..
* Receiving Of Floral Tributes. The Funeral Service Specialist will, having liaised with the florist then be responsible for receiving the flowers into the funeral home prior to the funeral. This involves checking the order is correct as well as making sure the quality meets ours and the families expectations.
* Accounts Management. Sam and Carol alongside our Funeral Director Scott are responsible for the administration of funeral accounts. This involves the taking of deposit payments, invoicing and raising of payment requests to ensure celebrants etc are paid in a timely manner.
* Administration Of Cremated Remains. Following a funeral service a Funeral Service Specialist will ensure that any cremated remains are handled respectfully, in keeping with the families wishes and scattered, interred or returned in line with the timeframe agreed at the point of arrangement.
* Maintaining Branch Standards. This can range from hoovering and dusting to ensuring accurate, up to date price lists and displays are on show in our family facing areas.
* Care Of The Deceased. Alongside our Funeral Director Sam and Carol will complete daily checks on each loved one that is resting in our care, this afford the team time with each individual and the opportunity to identify any significant changes in their condition,
The role of a Funeral Service Specialist is varied, demanding but very rewarding, the above list is only a small sample size for what is a much bigger and more detailed role.
Both Sam and Carol work tirelessly to ensure that our families and their loved ones are looked after and it is her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that allow Scott our Funeral Director the opportunity to do the things he does so well.
