Agenda item

Report of the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar

The Joint Committee considered a report of the Bereavement Services

Manager and Registrar which provided an update relating to performance and other operational matters (for copy see file of minutes).

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar reported that there were 375 cremations undertaken during the period 1 April to 31 May 2023, the same number compared to the comparable period last year. It was noted that 111 families were from Durham, 17 from Spennymoor and 247 families were from other areas.

The number and value of memorial plaques sold were 41 / £10,347 compared to 45 / £12,451 in the comparable period last year, a decrease of 4 memorials sold and £2,104 in terms of income generated.

It was reported that 2 relief members of staff had been appointed to assist in the operational areas of the crematorium and were currently undertaking training in all aspects of the roles within the crematorium.

As in previous years, arrangements would be made for representation at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition which was being held at Kenilworth from the 18-20 September 2023. It was proposed that the Bereavement Services

Manager and the Chair attend the conference to represent the Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee.

Durham Crematorium has been part of the Durham Heritage Open Weekend for several years and has agreed to participate this year which would be held from 14-17 September 2023.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar referred to the current terms and conditions with regards artificial flowers and advised that he had been approached by members of the public to review the terms and conditions with a view to allowing plastic/silk flowers to be placed in rose bowls etc beneath the plaques/niche units. Therefore, Members were asked to review this and decide if they were willing to allow plastic/silk flowers or to uphold the current terms and conditions.

Members discussed the issue of artificial flowers and the effect it would have on jobs and the possibility of leading to other items which would obstruct ground maintenance. It was highlighted that artificial flowers deteriorate and there was no way of recycling, whereas real flowers were recycled into compost. Following the discussion, it was agreed that the current policy remains unchanged.

Responding to a query regarding staffing, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar confirmed that relief staffing was included in staffing budget that had been set and added that following the completion of training, the relief staff would cover annual leave and sickness absence as and when required.

Resolved:

(i)         That the current performance of the crematorium be noted;

(ii)       That the staffing update at the crematorium be noted.

(iii)      That attendance at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium

Management ICCM Learning Convention and Exhibition 2023 be noted;

(iv)      That dates for the Heritage Open Weekend be noted;

(v)       That the distribution of recycling income and subsequent charity nominations be noted;

(vi)      That the terms and conditions in relation to artificial flowers remain unchanged.