The Association of Independent Celebrants marks its tenth anniversary

Dignitaries from the funeral profession will be guests of honour at a new autumn conference, marking the tenth anniversary of The Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC).

The AOIC is holding its first weekend AGM in Liverpool in October, where it will also mark its membership now passing the 100-mark for the first time in its history.

Guest speakers at the event include Toby Angel the managing director of Sacred Stones and Dr Sharon MacDonell, of Suicide Bereavement UK. Other guests, including presidents and dignitaries from the NAFD, SAIF, will enjoy a gala dinner on the Saturday evening, before Sunday morning’s AGM.

This year also sees the AOIC sponsoring a category in London’s Good Funeral Awards.

Current AOIC president Philip Spicksley is delighted with the progress made. In announcing the latest membership figures and conference news, he stressed the importance of such associations now that profession regulation looks to be on the horizon.

As reported, Mr Spicksley will join other leading organisations this autumn to discuss the profession post-regulation. The meeting, being held along with the NAFD and SAIF, will also look at formulating a response to any consultation prior to regulation being put into place.

Mr Spicksley believes such regulation is one of the reasons why the AOIC has seen a growth in membership, as professionals within the industry see the value of joining official groups.

“With regulation on the horizon, it is really important that all Celebrants are associated with a recognised trade body and the AOIC is leading the way forward to achieve this ambition,” he said.

Part of the AOIC’s work is to liaise with other groups and organisations to press forward with positive changes.

It works closely with the National Council for Paliative Care, Dying Matters and Government review teams – providing up-to-date changes to the law and end of life care issues.

“The purpose of the Association is to inform and better equip its members for the future and by working with many different groups we are able to remain at the forefront of the profession as a whole and make the views of our members heard,” added Mr Spicksley.

The AOIC is benefitting from weekly applications to join. Find out more at www.independentcelebrants.com.