Careers and employment opportunities

Funeral directors play a very important part in the community. They are trusted by families to look after their loved ones and to make sure that arrangements for the funeral are carried out in accordance with the wishes of the family.

Types of job in the funeral profession at Dignity

Often working in a very small team, roles and positions often overlap but here is a brief look at the types of work carried out by funeral professionals at Dignity.

The funeral service arranger

The arranger is usually the first point of contact for a family. He or she will meet the family at the funeral home or will visit them at their home – depending on the wishes of the client. The arranger makes sure the family understands all the things that need to be decided, and importantly make sure they understand all the choices available to them. They must also explain how much the funeral will cost and provide written confirmation of estimates and arrangements.

The funeral director

The funeral director is responsible for making sure all arrangements are carried out in accordance with the family’s wishes. He or she will also “conduct” the funeral, accompanying the family to the church or crematorium. Traditionally, funeral directors were often men, although now many more women are entering the profession. In most cases the funeral director may also carry out the duties of the funeral service arranger.

Funeral service operative (FSO)

The FSO will chauffeur the hearse or limousine, and will carry the coffin at the funeral. They are ambassadors for the funeral home and play a very important part in making sure the funeral is conducted in a dignified and appropriate way. Another important role for the FSO is bringing the deceased into our care. This may mean visiting a nursing home, private home or hospital to bring the deceased back to our funeral home. The FSO is also expected to carry out duties at the funeral home, which may include cleaning and maintaining vehicles, moving the deceased and working with the police and coroner’s officers.

The embalmer

The embalmer’s role is to prepare the deceased for burial or cremation. They also make sure that the deceased is presented in a sensitive way for the family to visit them in a chapel of rest. Embalming itself is a treatment that delays the effects of nature taking its course, in order that the family is able to see their loved one without further distress.

Administration and support services

There are a number of administrative roles within Dignity funeral homes. At our head office in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands we have a number of support functions such as fleet management, finance, human resources, telephone centre and purchasing.

Career development

Many Dignity employees have worked in the funeral profession for many years. We encourage staff to develop professionally and there are opportunities for funeral directors, arrangers and funeral service operatives to progress to managing a number of branches. The majority of our senior operational managers began their careers as funeral directors.

Placements for young people

Dignity funeral directors also work with local schools and colleges to provide placements for young people interested in finding out more about the funeral profession. Placements are carefully structured and supervised.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to work in the funeral profession. However, Dignity provides structured in house training and also funds employees to take the Diploma in Funeral Directing and the British Institute of Embalming qualification.

Good communication and organisational skills are important, as is a compassionate and caring nature. Some posts mean being on call at night and at the weekend. Positions are available on a full time, part time or casual basis.

For more information about opportunities in your area please write to:

Personnel Department
Dignity Funerals Limited
Plantsbrook House
94 The Parade
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B72 1PH

Email: careers@dignityuk.co.uk