When I became a Funeral Celebrant, it was important to me to uphold the quality and professionalism that is required to be a good celebrant. Therefore, I decided to adopt the Funeral Celebrant Accord.
This defines the skills and attribute needed of an excellent funeral celebrant and is intended to set the standards by which all celebrants offering funeral services should be measured.
As a funeral celebrant my role is to serve the bereaved and their community by creating and leading personal, accurate and respectful funerals. I need to be able to reflect the life, values and beliefs of the person who has died. I give my time to the community of family and friends and create a space in which the grieving process can be supported.
The Funeral Celebrant Accord outlines that an excellent funeral celebrant:
- Is professional.
- Cares for their clients.
- Is calm and shows natural leadership.
- Writes personalised ceremonies.
- Cares about their self-development.
- Is professional.
I need to be easy to contact, friendly, approachable and communicate well with fellow professionals. I am always prompt, reliable and efficient with outstanding organisational skills. I ensure that I am well presented and appropriately dressed for both home visits and services.
- Cares for clients.
I always offer clients home visits and give as much time as they need. I am inclusive, non-judgemental, and flexible. I develop trust with clients through openness, sensitivity and confidentiality. I always meet and greet at the venue and make myself available after the funeral ceremony.
- Calm and shows natural leadership.
I am calm and have a reassuring presence, providing gentle leadership by being a clear and confident speaker but not the centre of attention. I am responsive to the room and the environment and can think on my feet.
- Writes personalised ceremonies.
I understand that every ceremony is unique and always create a meaningful and personal ceremony that reflects the life, values and beliefs of the person who has died. Through a home visit I am able to draw out the culture and tastes of the family and ensure that each ceremony includes the language and ritual that is appropriate to the family.
- Cares about self-development.
I understand that I am on a path of personal and professional development, and I need to keep improving my skills and attributes through ongoing training and information.
