ICCM - Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management

19/06/2026

We're ending the week with the first exhibitors confirmed for the ICCM Learning Conference 2026!

We're pleased to announce the first four exhibitors who will be joining us at the ICCM Learning Conference 2026. These organisations represent innovation, expertise, practical solutions and great teams who support the bereavement services sector:

Greener Globe Funeral Standard - sustainability audit scheme designed for the funeral sector.

Teleshore Uk Ltd - supplier of products, solutions, services and problem solving for the whole bereavement services sector.

GOWER CONSULTANTS LIMITED - cemetery and crematorium management software.

DECEASED ONLINE LIMITED - the UK's statutory burial and crematorium registry.

More exhibitor announcements will be coming soon!

Have you got your ticket yet? https://www.iccm.uk/conference26

19/06/2026

A quick reminder about our next ICCM webinar - The Language of Death: How Words Shape Our Experience of Dying and Grief on Thursday, 25th June 2026 at 3pm, hosted by PlotBoxLife

ICCM Officers will be joined by Poppy Mardall 's for a webinar on the language of death, exploring how language used in death and death care can influence understanding, comfort, and connection for both bereaved families and death care professionals.

Ask The Panel: There will be an opportunity for attendees to pose their own questions, and to join in with the discussions.

Connect with bereavement services colleagues from across the country through a new dedicated forum, specifically curated for you to share and learn across any bereavement related topic.

Pre-register to join the webinar here: https://plotbox.com/uk-webinar-registration-25-06-2026

Join us live on Thursday 25th June for an ICCM Seminar

18/06/2026

We are looking for a new ICCM Branch Secretary for the Northern Region.

Due to changes in his personal circumstances and work commitments, Graham Harrison has decided to step down from his role.We are therefore inviting expressions of interest from members who may be interested in taking on this rewarding voluntary position.

As Branch Secretary, you will play an important role in bringing ICCM members together across your region, helping to create valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Branch meetings provide a relaxed and supportive environment where colleagues can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, share best practice, and learn from one another, while also offering the chance to visit a variety of venues across the region.

If you are organised, enjoy connecting people, and would like to take a more active role in supporting the ICCM and its future success, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Although this is a voluntary position, you will receive support from both the ICCM and Graham himself, who has always been generous in sharing his knowledge, experience, and guidance.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Graham for his dedication, enthusiasm, and continued support of the ICCM and the wider bereavement services profession. He has made a significant contribution to the Northern Region, successfully organising events, strengthening regional networks, and helping the branch grow and flourish under his leadership. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work.

If you would like further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sofia Allana FICCM (dip) by email at [email protected] or call 07502 627521.

Closing date: 30th June 2026.

17/06/2026

Today, I had the pleasure of attending the open day for the new crematorium at Sewardstone Park Cemetery & Crematorium.

What lovely facilities and such a warm welcome from the staff! The new crematorium provides a calm, peaceful and thoughtfully designed space, offering comfort and dignity for bereaved families during difficult times.

It was wonderful to see the care and attention that has gone into creating such a tranquil environment, and we would like to thank everyone for their hospitality and for showing us around.

Thank you to Peter Demetriou and Russell Tomkins and the team!

- Sofia Allana FICCM (dip)

17/06/2026

**ICCM Learning Conference Speaker Announcement**

Building Lasting Legacies: Expanding into Pet Cremation and Memorial Services

We are pleased to share that Orla O'Carroll, Cemetery and Crematorium Technician at Barnsley Crematorium - Barnsley Council, will be speaking at the ICCM Learning Conference on Tuesday, 29th September at 10:00am.

Orla will share how Barnsley Council successfully expanded its crematorium services by introducing a pet crematorium and stone masonry business, creating new income streams while meeting growing community needs.

The presentation will explore the development of compassionate pet bereavement services, including individual cremations, memorial products and support for bereaved pet owners, alongside the establishment of an in-house memorial masonry service for both human and pet memorialisation.

This insightful session will demonstrate how innovative service development can strengthen bereavement provision, improve financial resilience and respond to changing public expectations.

We look forward to welcoming Orla to the ICCM Learning Conference and hearing how Barnsley’s experience may inspire new opportunities across the sector.

To book your place at the conference, please visit https://www.iccm.uk/conference26

16/06/2026

Has the unusual June weather gifted you a photograph worth sharing?

Don't forget the ICCM Photographic Competition 2026 is now open for entries, with two categories:
• General Category – photographs taken within a cemetery, crematorium, churchyard or natural burial ground
• The Ian Quance Environmental Category – images highlighting the relationship between funerary spaces, conservation and ecology

Winning entries in each category will receive a £150 cash prize, with shortlisted photographs showcased at the ICCM Learning Conference in September.

Entries close on 30 July 2026.

To submit your entry, please visit: https://www.myiccm.uk/pages/photocomp

The ICCM Photographic Competition 2026 is sponsored by EDGE I.T. Systems Ltd, providers of Epitaph Crematorium and Cemetery Software.

15/06/2026

Join ICCM Officers and Poppy Mardall, founder of Poppy's on Thursday 25th June for an engaging webinar hosted by PlotBoxLife exploring The Language of Death: How Words Shape Our Experience of Dying and Grief.

This interactive session will examine how language used in death care can influence comfort, connection and communication for both bereaved families and professionals working within bereavement services.

Alongside the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to put their own questions to the panel, share experiences with colleagues from across the sector and continue the conversation through a dedicated bereavement services forum designed to support ongoing learning and collaboration.

Date: Thursday 25th June 2026
Time: 3:00pm BST
Duration: 1 hour

Whether you work in cemeteries, crematoria, funeral services or wider bereavement support, this is a valuable opportunity to connect with others and reflect on the role language plays in our work.

Register here: https://plotbox.com/uk-webinar-registration-25-06-2026

Join us live on Thursday 25th June for an ICCM Seminar

12/06/2026

Well it’s been some week so far!

On Monday, I was in Westminster discussing funerary regulation and the importance of ensuring the sector continues to evolve in a way that maintains public confidence and high professional standards, and ensuring that we don’t lose sight of bereaved persons that we are duty bound to protect.

Then on Tuesday, I was in Manchester for the BRAMM AGM, catching up with colleagues and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.

Today, I attended the NFE event at Stoneleigh Park, where it was fantastic to meet so many people who have become friends over the years whilst making new connections along the way. I was also delighted to be invited by Obitus to take part in a panel session and contribute to some current and relevant discussions.

I’m currently in South Wales and looking forward to attending tomorrow’s Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) branch meeting, continuing what has been a busy but rewarding week of engagement.

Thank you to everyone I’ve met along the way, it’s the most encouraging part of the role to see so many dedicated people working across the sector to make things that much easier for those navigating a bereavement.

- Mathew Crawley

11/06/2026

Last week, our technical officers Oliver and Jennifer visited some crematoriums to support the ongoing development of their staff and technicians.

At Tynemouth Crematorium, North Tyneside Council, Oliver delivered a CTTS Refresher Course to cremator technicians from both Tynemouth and Whitley Bay Crematoriums, helping to reinforce best practice and maintain high professional standards.

The team then travelled to Blyth Crematorium, where congratulations were in order for Beth Douglas, who successfully passed her CTTS Assessment. Beth was mentored by Steve Kelly, Senior Cemeteries Team Leader at Northumberland County Council, whose support and guidance played an important role in her achievement.

The week concluded at Harwood Park Crematorium, where Oliver delivered further CTTS Refresher Training, continuing the ICCM’s commitment to supporting professional competence across the sector.

Thank you to everyone involved in making these training and assessment visits so worthwhile.

10/06/2026

Many of you will know Kevin Watkins as a longstanding friend and valued supporter of the ICCM. For many years, as Assistant Operations Manager for Bereavement Services at Southend-on-Sea City Council, Kevin has been a committed member of our community, offering friendship and encouragement to so many.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Kevin has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This is an incredibly difficult time for Kevin, his wife, and their daughters as they face the challenges ahead together.

In support, Kevin’s sister-in-law has taken on an extraordinary fundraising challenge to assist Kevin and his family during this time. To honour Kevin’s 57 years, she will be running and walking an incredible 570 kilometres over 57 days.

We would like to share this initiative with any ICCM member who may wish to offer support to Kevin and his family. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated and will help provide comfort and practical support during an unimaginably difficult period.

Details can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kevin-sarah-charlotte-and-sophie?attribution_id=sl:7a1e982f-55d5-46ee-aedb-67dbe0c92c20&lang=en_GB&ts=1780934786&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Thank you for keeping Kevin and his family in your thoughts and for any support you may be able to offer.

Running 570km in 57 Days: Standing with Kevin and His Family Hi everyone, Life can… Michelle Lane needs your support for Kevin, Sarah, Charlotte and Sophie