Code of Practice

 The following Code of Practice applies to all members of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD). It is a Customer Care Charter for the clients of IAFD Funeral Directors, guaranteeing minimum standards of professional competence, openness and caring for families at what tends to be a vulnerable time for many.

Definition of Member

A member, as mentioned in the Code of Practice statement, will be a fully paid up member of the IAFD who has a signed copy of this document on prominent display in his or her premises and fully accepts all of the obligations and responsabilities outlines therein.

RESPONSABILITIES TO CLIENTS:

    • Members shall serve clients with competence and concern for their best interests, whilst at all times maintaining the highest standards of conduct.
    • Members should make fair charges for their services, facilities and merchandise.
    • Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the relationship between Funeral Director and client and all priveleged information must be held in the strictest confidence by both Funeral Directors and their staff.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

    • Members must at all times act in a manner that will enhance their reputation as Funeral Directors.
    • Soliciting funerals is not permitted.
    • The choice of Funeral Director shall at all times be the prerogative of the family concerned. If two Funeral Directors are called in error by the same family, they must both show a willingness to withdraw and allow the family to decide who is to act on their behalf.

ADVERTISING:

    • All advertising shall be dignified and in accord with the highest standards.

INFORMATION:

    • Members shall assist families in planning a funeral with particular emphasis on the budgetary aspect of the funeral.
    • Members should have available a complete price list showing their charges for merchandise, services and facilities and also a complete list of the payments they will be required to make on the client's behalf.
    • An estimate of funeral costs should be offered to each client at the time of making funeral arrangements, or the earliest possible opportunity.
    • Any additional costs should be authorised specifically by the clients.
    • Members should provide an itemised account showing his charges and the payments made on the client's behalf, together with settlement terms.
    • Members should provide clients with information on the registration of deaths, how to obtain copies of the Death Certificate and information on the availability of Death Grants and other social benefits.

COMPLAINTS:

    • The Association provides a client advisory service with conciliation and arbitration arrangements to help resolve speedily any difficulties that may arise between members and their clients.

      Problems may be referred to: The National Secretary.

TRAINING:

    • Members of IAFD shall provide full training for their staffs in all aspects of funeral service and client management and shall constantly strive to improve the quality of service through educational programmes designed for that purpose.

PUBLICITY:

    • Members shall display prominently the Association symbol and Code of Practice.

 

Code of Practice