Buckinghamshire retains gold for bereavement services

Buckinghamshire Council’s bereavement service has been awarded the highest national accreditation for the fifth consecutive year by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). 

The award, which aims to recognise continued excellence in the support provided to bereaved families across the county, follows an assessment of 382 criteria that covered areas such as family support, cremation and burial management, and environmental standards. 

This year’s accreditation also marks the second time the council’s cemetery services have been included in the submission, reflecting what the council described as “continued growth and improvement” of its bereavement provision.

Cllr Mark Winn, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: “Losing a loved one is always an incredibly difficult experience, and it’s essential that we offer a burial service that is both compassionate and respectful to help families through such times.

“I’m immensely proud that our burial service has consistently achieved the ICCM Gold Charter accreditation every year since 2020. This recognition reflects the dedication and care our team brings to their work, providing comfort and exceptional support to local families when they need it most.”

Buckinghamshire Council operates two crematoria – Chilterns in Amersham and Bierton near Aylesbury – as well as several cemeteries including Great Missenden, Penn Road in Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Park Side in Gerrards Cross, Shepherds Lane in Beaconsfield, and Holtspur. The Grade I-listed Memorial Gardens in Stoke Poges are also managed by the council.