Funeral Arranger Review

As a funeral arranger I am client facing, taking first calls from families who have lost a loved one. I will book appointments and plan the funeral with the family whilst making sure their loved ones wishes are taken into consideration. I am responsible for arranging flowers, orders of service, booking ministers, churches and crematoriums. I am also a receptionist, cleaner and admin for a very busy branch. I deal with lots of different queries on a daily basis along with looking after at least 8 funerals. I am also responsible for making sure the building is safe and general maintenance. I am also responsible for taking doctors to see deceased and moving them into the chapel of rest when family members are visiting. On occasion I am also asked to help dress deceased and help prepare them for visiting.

I have learnt a lot of different things about the funeral industry that I didn't know before. I have learnt to be incredibly organised, not that I wasn't before but there are no second chances with a funeral, it has to be done right the first time. I have become more confident in my abilities which will help me strive to further my career.

I have found the programme quite helpful at times especially the sections regarding different religions and cultures and how they do funerals. I also found that my coach was extremely helpful and kind, understanding when I wasn't able to finish my workbooks due to a heavy work load.

The programme generally fit around me and how I wanted to work. I like to write down my answers so that's the way I was able to do it. All of the materials are there online for me to find and work at my own pace.

Time is a very difficult part of this, as there were weeks where I was unable to complete any of my programme. I found that I had to manage my work load as there was no help from the employer to make sure I had dedicated time to get the course done, despite the fact it is a requirement and effects my pay. I have only been asked once during the duration of my course how I was getting on and when I mentioned that I was struggling with time I was told to manage it better.

The support from the training provider was amazing. I cannot praise her enough. I would not have got through it with out her. She kept in contact with me and understood that I work in a very busy branch. She made sure she helped me as much as she could in regards to getting through the course.

I feel that it has helped a lot as there has been very little useful training done by the company.

NO

No

There is very little support, technology is outdated and generally company systems make the job harder to do, despite the fact it is already a very difficult job looking after grieving families. The actual job of arranging funerals is great and I really enjoy it but unfortunately the bad out weighs the good.

Take advantage of the opportunity, learn what you can.