An online book of remembrance set up during the coronavirus pandemic and an electric vehicle are among the projects that have led to two gold awards for B&NES Council’s Bereavement Services.
The service has achieved combined gold in the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) awards for Best Value under its Charter for the Bereaved, which demonstrates excellent service to the public that is designed to meet their needs.
The council’s virtual Book of Remembrance is a way for people to pay tribute to their loved ones in a real hand-bound book of remembrance, which can be viewed online at any time from anywhere in the world.
The electric vehicle is used by staff as a more sustainable way of travelling between sites in and around Bath and supports the council’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
The award also reflects the introduction of other new measures including:
- Ensuring parents who have suffered the loss of a child are aware of support services including the charity SANDS
- Provision of above-ground vaults as an alternative to in-ground burial or scattering
- Floral tributes being displayed for five days after a funeral
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This award is fantastic news for our Bereavement Services and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team in what has been an especially trying year for anyone who has suffered a loss.
“We always strive to give families a range of fitting ways to commemorate their loved one’s life, so it’s particularly rewarding for the team to know they have continued to provide an excellent service for our residents during a national crisis.
“Congratulations to the whole team on their big achievement.”
