Members' Code of Practice

The Association expects its members to always aim for the highest level of service possible, both personal and practical. This includes providing clear price information, empowering each bereaved family to arrange a funeral which meets their individual needs, and allowing them to have as much involvement as they want.

Members also make the following specific pledges:

On Embalming

Not to carry out embalming as a routine procedure, but instead to give an accurate and clear explanation of the procedure to the bereaved and only carry out the procedure at the direct request of the bereaved or as a regulatory requirement,

Not to refer to the procedure as ‘hygienic treatment’, which has the effect of persuading families that embalming is at least desirable, if not essential.

On Literature and Other Information Provided to the General Public

To ensure that they have literature available, and information on their website (if they have one), that gives eco-friendly options for funerals at least equal prominence to traditional options.

On Coffins

That a range of environmentally-friendly coffins is made available to all customers.

That all staff who have routine contact with the public understand what characteristics make a particular coffin environmentally-friendly, e.g. made from recycled materials, constructed from FSC sources of timber, made from renewable sources, shipped "russian-doll style", locally sourced, and/or has biodegradable fittings.

On Natural Burial

That all staff who have routine contact with the public have a good knowledge of, at least, the two closest natural burial grounds and are able to advise (prospective) customers about the regulations in force at those sites concerning: types of coffin accepted; tree planting policy; maintenance regime and long term vision; prices; extent of grave marking / memorialisation allowed; whether ashes can be interred, or scattered.

On Flowers

That all staff who have routine contact with the public have a good knowledge of environmentally-friendly flower options, especially those that avoid the use of non-recyclable materials and create funeral waste. These options should be given, at least, equal prominence to other flower options.

On Conduct

To represent the AGFD and Funeral Industry in a good light at all times. Any behaviour deemed as unprofessional could lead to the certificate being revoked.

On lapsed or cancelled membership no AGFD logo or certificate must be used/displayed.

That whilst members of the AGFD the appropriate logo and membership of the organisation may be used for marketing and advertising purposes, it is understood that membership in no way implies AGFD endorsement or recommendation of a company.

That the AGFD may, by appointment, visit the premises of the company to ensure that this agreement is being honoured.

Associate Membership Criteria and Code of Practice

The Association expects its members to always aim for the highest level of service possible, both personal and practical. This includes providing clear pricing information, empowering each bereaved family to arrange a funeral which meets their individual needs, and allowing them to have as much involvement as they want.

Members also make the following pledges:

Associate Member of the AGFD agrees:

That they must provide evidence to the AGFD of practices and/or products that make their products and/or services green.

That they will continually look to develop practices and/or products that are environmentally friendly.

That environmental impact will be considered whenever new products and/or services are being developed.

That they will always work in an ethical manner and follow the guidelines of their industry and to represent the AGFD and Funeral Industry in a good light at all times. Any behaviour deemed as unprofessional could lead to the certificate being revoked.

That they will either offer all AGFD members a discount (minimum 5%) on their goods or services; or alternatively pay a membership fee to the AGFD each year.

That all staff, who have routine contact with the public have a good knowledge of environmentally-friendly options, especially those that avoid the use of non-recyclable materials and create funeral waste. These options should be given, at least, equal prominence to other options.

That whilst members of the AGFD the appropriate logo and membership of the organisation may be used for marketing and advertising purposes, it is understood that membership in no way implies AGFD endorsement or recommendation of a company.

That the AGFD may, by appointment, visit the premises of the company to ensure that this agreement is being honoured.

For renewing members - That information will be provided on a separate sheet, detailing environmentally friendly projects, practices, or products, developed within the last 12 months.

Following any lapsed or cancelled membership, the AGFD logo or certificate must not be used/displayed.