in touch

After a tough few years due to the coronavirus pandemic, we can finally begin to get things back on track. It is important that we learn from what happened during the pandemic so that we can be better informed next time (let’s hope next time is a long way away), but we also need to put it behind us and move on in a positive way. We need to return to putting bereaved people at the heart of what we do, and making sure our services are of exceptional quality.

To assist ICCM members with this aim, we will continue to provide high quality, sector specific, accredited education and training. This year will see our current education accreditation organisation, Pearson, withdraw their services due to the relatively low numbers of students we enrol with them. But don’t worry, we are seeking a different accreditation approach, which we will hopefully be able to report on in the next Journal. In the meantime, Diploma studies can continue and any work already undertaken will still count towards an accredited qualification.

This year we see the return of the Education Seminar as an in-person event. It will be slightly different as our colleagues from Stratford Business School, Sue and Marc, won’t be able to join us physically, but by the magic of technology they will be able to be there remotely. We haven’t quite managed to create 3D holograms of them (yet), but they will be available via videoconferencing to provide their usual sage wisdom and advice to Diploma students. Other tutors will actually be in the room, and will be on hand to provide advice, and to mark completed assignments. The Education Seminar is a great event, not only for providing an opportunity to completely concentrate on your studies, but also to meet fellow members and to make lasting friendships with like-minded people.

The return of in-person events also means that branch meetings can be held, and branch secretaries, supported by ICCM Officers, will be looking at dates, places and sponsors to make these happen. Branch meetings are an excellent opportunity to get together with colleagues and to discuss pertinent topics. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved, and that is so true for our sector. You can sometimes feel pretty alone, and like you are the only one facing particular issues, but it is so often the case that somebody else has been there, done that, got the medal and is prepared to share their advice freely. The importance of branch meetings cannot be over-emphasised; keep an eye on the ICCM website (www.iccm-uk.com) for details of forthcoming meetings.

In March this year we are holding a one day seminar with the CDS Group on the subject of soil management and drainage. At first glance this might not sound particularly relevant, but if you own, manage or work in a cemetery or crematorium, this is the Seminar for you! Where you have grounds, you have soil and drainage issues, so you need to know what your legal requirements are, and what strategies you need to have in place to meet those requirements. Believe me, the Seminar won’t be dry (excuse the pun) but will be educational, informative, and fun!

Another opportunity for ICCM members to get together and learn is being provided by the Faunus Group. Simon Holden, CEO and Founder of the Group, spoke on the January ICCM webinar about their latest developments with precision organic dispersal, a new method of body disposal using a composting approach but with sophisticated scientific techniques behind it. Simon extended an invitation to ICCM members to visit their facilities in Nottinghamshire and see first hand how the process works and learn about their plans to introduce it in the UK. At the time of writing this we are looking at dates in March; more information will be on the ICCM website.

The ICCM Annual Learning Convention and Exhibition returned in 2022 after a two year hiatus, and it was great to be back. Webinars and online meetings and events are fine and work well, but you can’t beat being in a big room listening to passionate speakers talk about relevant topics. The icing on the cake is seeing the huge range of products and services offered by the exhibitors at the event. This year the Learning Convention and Exhibition will take place at the Chesford Grange Hotel from 18th – 20th September. Further information will be posted on the ICCM website, and you can register an interest by emailing julie.dunk@iccm-uk.com. This really is a don’t miss event as it provides so many learning opportunities for you to take back to your service and instigate improvements.

Looking forward, there is much to look forward to! I’m certainly looking forward to meeting as many members as possible at the various ICCM events being held this year.

Julie Dunk ICCM Chief Executive