Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1    Relevant Background Information

      The Cremation Society of Great Britain is the founder and pioneer of the cremation movement in the United Kingdom. It established the first crematorium in the UK and is a founder member of the International Cremation Federation.

      The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities formed in 1924, represents 90% of all cremation authorities in the United Kingdom and some years ago widened its scope to allow full membership of the FBCA to burial authorities. Belfast City Council is a corporate member.

      The Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries represents 70% of all private crematoria in the UK. Nearly all new crematoria are being established by the private sector.

      The Association of Burial Authorities was formed in 1993 to fulfil the need for a consumer orientated organisation to co-ordinate the activities of burial grounds and provide a tangible link between them and the public.

      Belfast City Council is a corporate member of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management. The Institute is the only organisation within bereavement services to provide fully accredited and externally validated education and training opportunities for cemetery and crematorium staff at all levels. It promotes the development and advancement of its members to facilitate the better provision, operation, administration and management of cemeteries, crematoria and bereavement related services.

      The annual Cremation and Burial conference is organised in partnership with the Cremation Society of Great Britain, the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries and the Association of Burial Authorities. The Conference will take place from 2 – 4 July 2012 at the Hilton Newcastle, Gateshead.

      The annual Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Convention and Exhibition will take place from 1 – 3 October 2012 at the Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton, North Lincolnshire.

      Attendance at these events will allow Councillors and officers to keep up to date with developments in the funeral services industry and make contacts with other authorities and service providers, learning from their expert knowledge and experience. The exhibitions attached to these events offer excellent opportunities to see the range of products and services that are on offer to help officers provide the best possible service to bereaved people.

2    Key Issues

      This year’s Conference and Convention will continue the on-going co-operation of like-minded organisations and the programmes will contain presentations on important issues to all those in the death care industry. It will be of particular interest to representatives from Cremation and Burial authorities who wish to keep abreast of the latest developments affecting their service and facilities.

      Through a series of papers and via the exhibitions information will be provided that delegates can take back and utilize in their workplaces. As the providers of the only cremation service in Northern Ireland and providers/operators of the largest and busiest cemetery in N Ireland, it is important to keep up to date with developments in the industry and changes in legislation. Attendance at these events will enable the Council to do this and to also make contacts with other local authorities and private sector providers to ensure that appropriate standards and working practices are being applied in Belfast. It is also an excellent opportunity to build up a supportive network of colleagues, fellow professionals and suppliers from the contacts they make at these important events.

3    Resource Implications

      Financial

      The Cremation and Burial Conference and Exhibition fee including three nights accommodation is £475 per delegate. The flights and transport to the venue will be approximately £150 per delegate. Day packages are available at £140 per day and accommodation is £125 per night dinner, bed and breakfast.

      The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Convention and Exhibition fee including 2 nights accommodation is £495 per delegate. The flights and transport to the venue will be approximately £175 per delegate. Day packages are available at £160 per day and accommodation is £120 per night dinner, bed and breakfast.

      Human Resources

      A member of staff will be away from site for up to three days at each event; however they will be bringing back updated information and knowledge to provide appropriate briefings.

4    Equality Implications

      None.

5    Recommendations

      It is recommended that the Chairman and Deputy Chair of Parks & Leisure Committee or their nominees and the Director of Parks & Leisure or his nominee attend the Cremation and Burial Conference and Exhibition from 2 – 4 July 2012 and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Convention and Exhibition from 1 – 3 October 2012.”

          The Committee adopted the recommendation.