Cumberland Council’s Bereavement Service has been awarded the highest ‘Gold Standard’ accolade following a recent independent assessment.
The service was assessed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) as part of its Charter for the Bereaved Process for Burial and Cremation. The Charter is a nationally recognised framework designed to improve the standards of services provided to bereaved families, with awards granted at bronze, silver, or gold level.
Cumberland Bereavement Services manages Carlisle Crematorium, Distington Hall Crematorium and cemeteries throughout the district from Carlisle to Millom.
Achieving Gold Standard reflects a strong commitment to maintaining and continually improving the quality of care and support offered to residents during some of the most difficult times in their lives. The assessment process involves a detailed self-review, which is then externally validated by the ICCM, including an on-site inspection.
The assessment covered a wide range of areas, including administration, facilities, grounds, safety, and professional expertise. The service achieved full marks in five of the seven categories assessed, highlighting the consistently high standards delivered by the team.
In addition, Distington Hall Crematorium was assessed by the Federation Burial and Cremation Association (FBCA) and was awarded “outstanding” with a score of 705 out of 735.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Vibrant and Healthy Places said:
“This is a really positive achievement for the Bereavement Services Team in Cumberland. Supporting people through bereavement requires care, professionalism and attention to detail, and this award reflects the consistently high standards they deliver.
“Achieving Gold Standard status demonstrates the council’s commitment to providing a respectful, well-managed service and to continually reviewing and improving the support we offer to our communities.”
This recognition underlines Cumberland Council’s ongoing commitment to providing a compassionate, respectful, and well-managed service for bereaved families, and to ensuring that standards are regularly reviewed and enhanced in line with national best practice.