Former gov minister appointed to chair new funeral standards organisation

The Right Honourable David Heath CBE, former deputy leader of the House of Commons and minister of state in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has been appointed as the new chair of the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation (IFSO).

The new regulatory body for the industry has been set up the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).

Going forward, IFSO will take over all the association’s current inspections, complaints and monitoring activities, remaining independent of the NAFD.

Jon Levett, chief executive of the NAFD, said: “This is a bold step by the NAFD. We are seeking to create a truly independent regulatory body for the funeral sector and I am delighted that we have been able to attract an independent chair of David’s calibre to lead it.

“David brings with him extensive experience in regulatory issues – and in standards monitoring in other consumer-facing sectors – that will ensure IFSO can quickly build the respect of government, the CMA, the funeral sector and, most importantly of all, bereaved people.”