Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Why this course?

This course will elevate your cemetery management skills & improve your knowledge of the legal requirements. Additionally you will learn effective management practices and develop an understanding of operational responsibilities.

Who is it for?

This course is for cemetery managers and staff as well as those with a responsibility for cemeteries.

Duration: 2 x 3 hour sessions over 2 days

Delivery: Live online

What's covered?

  • Legal framework – regulations and compliance standards
  • General powers of management
  •  Registers and records
  • Burial depth and dealing with shallow graves Overview of administration processes
  • Grave digging procedures
  • Memorials
  • Exhumation
  • Exclusive Rights of Burial
  • Operational responsibilities including grounds maintenance, groundwater and premises management
  • Closed churchyards responsibilities
  • Optimising burial space
  • Looking to the future


Your Instructor

Technical Officer Sofia Allana FICCM (Dip)

Sofia is the Technical Services Officer for the ICCM. Her career in bereavement started in 2002, covering all aspects of cemetery and crematorium management. Before joining the ICCM, Sofia was Head of Islington and Camden Cemetery Services, managing a team of 25 and 226 acres across three sites. She was responsible for creating and implementing robust policies and managing various in-house cemetery development projects. Sofia implemented and directed the council's trading arm that boosted revenue of memorial sales. Sofia handled external ground maintenance, memorial permits, following health and safety legislation, and supervised exhumations. In addition, she developed and maintained special cemetery spaces for children and babies. Sofia joined the ICCM in 2019 and uses her vast experience to help members on cemetery and crematorium operational and legislative issues. As well as holding the ICCM Diploma, she has also obtained her TQUK Level 3 award in Education and Training (RQF) and delivers training for the ICCM on multiple subjects within bereavement services.