National Committee on Infant Cremation: 2016 annual report

6. The Inspector of Crematoria and Inspector of Funeral Directors

Inspector of Crematoria

Following a recruitment exercise which attracted a high number and calibre of applicants, Robert Swanson QPM was appointed to the role of Inspector of Crematoria for Scotland in March 2015. This post was initially advertised as part time, however, following feedback from the Inspector this post has now become full time

Since his appointment, the Inspector has undertaken formal inspections of all 29 crematoria in Scotland and has written individual reports on each. The Inspector's report can be found at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Policy/BurialsCremation

At the most recent meeting of the National Committee, the Inspector provided a verbal update on his findings to date. His inspections identified that all staff who carry out cremations have completed training, the majority of which is accredited by either the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities ( FBCA) or Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management ( ICCM). The Inspector also reported that in every case of baby and infant cremation ashes have been recovered.

The Inspector has the duty to investigate complaints regarding cremation practice which are referred to him from, or on behalf of, bereaved families. To date the Inspector has dealt with 10 complaints from bereaved families, some of which are still ongoing.

Inspector of Funeral Directors

A recruitment exercise for an Inspector of Funeral Directors is currently underway with the expectation that an Inspector will be in post early in 2017. The Inspector of Funeral Directors will be appointed for an initial period of two years. Initially, the Inspector will focus on gaining a detailed understanding of how the funeral director industry conducts its business with a view to making recommendations to Scottish Ministers on how it should be regulated and whether licencing should be introduced as part of this regulation. The Inspector will also make an assessment of how well funeral directors are adhering to the National Committee on Infant Cremation Code of Practice and will publish their findings in a report.

Following the initial 18-month period, the Inspector will commence work to begin a process of formal inspections of the funeral industry, in line with the powers set out in the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 and the related regulations.