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. The committee heard that 213 excess cremations were carried out across April, May and June compared to the five-year average for that period but the figures for July and August were back down to a manageable level. The seconded staff had returned to their normal duties and the service interval times had resumed their usual pattern. The chapel capacity had been increased from 24 to 30 and a track and trace system is in place.

The free webcasting continued to be on offer to families and the enhanced cleaning regime was still in place, both of which would be reviewed at the December meeting of the committee.

The Chair congratulated the whole team on the difficult task they had carried out balancing the needs and ensuring the safety of both members of the public and the funeral directors.

It was noted that the risk assessment was a live document that would need continuous review and amendments.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted.

2.  That webcasting continues to be offered free of charge until review at the December 2020 meeting of the Committee.

3.   That additional building cleaning services are retained until review at the December 2020 meeting of the Committee.

4.   That the Seasonal Gardener be given additional hours over the winter months

REASONS FOR DECISION –

1.  To reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 at Chesterfield
and District Crematorium as far as practicable.

2.  To build resilience of the service in response to the
Pandemic.

3.  To continue to build on the good reputation of the
Crematorium and to assist as many people as possible to
attend the service virtually when they otherwise could not
participate at all.

4.  For the future development of staff and their retention