The launch of the new UK Funeral Director Code.
The Scottish Government decided in March 2025, to implement a statutory Funeral Director Code for all Funeral Directors in Scotland. In November 2025 the National Association of Funeral Directors NAFD have also launched a new Code. This time unified across all nations in the UK. Including all the Scottish Governments requirements, and building on these to give the most robust Code of Practice the Funeral Professional has ever had.
What will this achieve?
The UK Funeral Director Code sets out the standard of conduct, care, and professionalism expected of all funeral directors. It exists to ensure the dignity and respectful treatment of the deceased. To protect the interests of bereaved people, and promote public confidence in the funeral profession.
At its core, the Code recognises the unique and sensitive nature of funeral services. It provides a framework for ethical behaviour, transparency, and accountability, while supporting high standards of service delivery. By following this Code, funeral directors commit to acting with integrity, compassion, and professionalism at all times. The Code outlines statutory requirements (in Scotland) and enhanced expectations that go beyond the minimum legal and regulatory standards. It reflects current best practices and anticipates the evolving needs of clients, families and society.It also supports continual improvement within the profession by encouraging transparency, feedback, and robust governance.
Full details are available in a pdf of the Funeral Directors Code and you can view or download from the highlighted text. Or if you like we will send you a copy or, pop in and have a coffee, and we will give you this and other leaflets that we keep in the office.
Will it work?
Well there is the million dollar question. It will for us, and for the majority of decent hardworking and committed Funeral Directors across the whole UK. But there are still today (in this town!) many “funeral providers” (and I use that term very loosely) who already operate outside of any guidance. They just pretend it doesn’t apply to them. The awful organisation in Hull is just one example. (Click here for BBC report). What on earth that was all about we may never know. Pick your funeral provider from the membership of NAFD or SAIF, at least then you will have protection from rogue operators.