Issue - meetings

The Bereavement Services Manager presented a report to the committee updating the members on the impact of COVID-19 on the Chesterfield and District Crematorium. Gratitude was expressed to the lead authority for the readily available support that the Crematorium had received throughout the pandemic.

It was explained that, due to the high proportion of the team that were required to self-isolate, it had been necessary to second staff from other departments in order to maintain service levels. Initial training took around a month to complete. Professionalism was demonstrated by both the existing team and the new colleagues.

Work had taken place in conjunction with the emergency planning departments, mortuaries, funeral directors and ministers to ensure that government guidelines were complied with whilst using a common-sense approach. A number of practical measures were brought in to safeguard the staff and the public and these had been well received. It was noted that Building Cleaning Services had been invaluable in ensuring a safe working environment and helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

Time slots for funeral services had been reduced at the start of the pandemic in order to increase capacity but the Bereavement Services Manager advised that this had been closely monitored throughout. This meant that the normal diary had been reinstated from Monday 22^nd June 2020.

The committee formally thanked the Bereavement Services Manager for his exemplary leadership and management during this difficult time. It was also noted that the conduct of all the Crematorium staff had been superb, maintaining a sensitive service whilst operating within the government guidelines.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted.

2.   That the formal thanks of the committee be placed on record to the Bereavement Services Manager and staff for their professionalism and adaptability during a very challenging period.