My Qualifications

In deciding to qualify as a funeral celebrant, I knew that I didn't want to be embroiled in philosophical issues of whether there is, or there isn't, an afterlife. As a funeral celebrant, I see myself as serving a useful social service to enable people to say farewell to a loved one in accordance with their wishes. And so I was drawn to Civil Funeral Celebrancy. 

Through the Institute of Civil Funerals (IoCF) http://www.iocf.org.uk/ I obtained the nationally recognised Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (QCF) in 2013. I was assessed on a range of criteria, and the award of the Diploma meant that I'd achieved the highest possible qualification in Funeral Celebrancy in the UK; and that I'd been rigorously assessed for my skill and suitability as a Funeral Celebrant. The Diploma also means that I am able to create and deliver an appropriate and unique funeral ceremony with sensitivity and empathy. I am an accredited member of the Foundation for Infant Loss Training at http://www.foundationforinfantloss.co.uk/

Through my professional working life I have continually refined my soft skills; which are particularly necessary in Funeral Celebrancy:

• Actively listening to what others are saying (by checking that I've understood correctly)
• Being flexible and reliable, and working to (sometimes tight) deadlines
• Exercising tolerance, patience and tact at what is an emotionally charged time for bereaved people
• Being empathic through what I say and do
• Working with people (through offering choices or making suggestions) to solve problems and achieve solutions

I am experienced in both writing (for different purposes) and in public speaking and have formal qualifications in both!  I enjoy after-dinner speaking and serving as 'Master of Ceremonies' for formal parties, competitions, and celebration-of-achievement events – all skills I bring to the role of Funeral Celebrant.  I engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and carry public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover.