PHA Funerals - Choices and Council Duties

Speakers

Julie Dunk
Former Chief Executive
ICCM
Julie started her career as an archaeologist, where she developed an interest in Victorian cemeteries.
UK
Debbie Bates
Celebrant
Debbie Bates Celebrant
Sarah Jones
Founder
Full Circle Funerals
UK
Webinar date: June 8, 2026 11:00 am
Webinar length: 1 hour
Type:  Recorded
CPD: 1

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Public Health Act (PHA) funerals remain a complex and often misunderstood area of responsibility for local authorities, sitting at the intersection of bereavement, public service duty, and financial constraint.

Julie Dunk is joined by Celebrant Debbie Bates and Funeral Director Sarah Jones to explore how funeral choices are changing, how families navigate decision-making, and what this means in practice for those involved in arranging or overseeing PHA funerals.

Key themes include:

  • Changing attitudes to tradition, religion, and personalisation in funerals
  • The expanding range of funeral choices and what this means in practice
  • The role of celebrants and funeral directors in guiding and supporting families
  • The impact of COVID-19, including the rise of streaming and alternative formats
  • Understanding direct cremation and its implications for families
  • Emerging trends, including environmentally focused options, new technologies, and evolving sector standards

Hosted via the Finders Development Hub, this webinar forms part of a wider programme of insight-led sessions supporting professionals working across bereavement services, local government, and related public sector roles.

Host

Antoinette Simms
Public Sector Development Manager
Finders International
Antoinette is a Public Sector Development Manager at Finders International Probate Genealogists, bringing with her a strong passion for supporting public sector professionals and enhancing collaboration across local authority services. Drawing on previous experience working closely with councils and public bodies, she has developed a clear understanding of the pressures facing the sector, including rising caseloads, legislative change and the importance of effective partnership working. Antoinette combines this experience with a practical, solutions-focused approach, building meaningful relationships and ensuring that organisations are equipped with the knowledge and support required to navigate complex cases with confidence

Supporting Documents

File Name
Type
Action
File Name:
Event Pack - Choices and Council Duties
pdf
Type

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