The ICCM webinar, facilitated by PlotBox, will be held monthly during 2023 where possible.
The Webinar will normally take place at 3pm on the last Thursday of the month, although the date may change due to operational circumstances. A link will be sent to members via an enewsletter prior to the Webinar, as well as being posted below. The Webinar may be viewed live, or at an alternative time and date once it has been held.
Speakers will address various topics, and those listening in have the chance to ask questions which will be answered live, or to share experiences and best practice through leaving typed comments.
If you have any suggestions for speakers or topics, or would like to speak on a webinar yourself, please email Julie Dunk, ICCM Chief Executive, at julie.dunk@iccm-uk.com.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS OF THE SPEAKERS ON THE WEBINAR ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE ICCM.
Next Webinar
The next webinar will be on Thursday 30th May 2024 at 15.00. Further details and a link to pre-register to join the webinar will be posted here in due course.
Links to previous webinars (click on the date):
Thursday 28th March 2024 – an ICCM Question and Answer session featuring ICCM Officer Sofia Allana and ICCM Deputy President Andy Bond answering questions on a variety of topics.
Thursday January 25th January 2024 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mat Crawley and Julie Dunk discussing the introduction of the Medical Examiner system; the maintenance of closed churchyards; topping up graves, and Power of Attorney in relation to transferring the exclusive right of burial.
Thursday 21st December 2023 – a Christmas Special, featuring a fun quiz hosted by ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mat Crawley and Julie Dunk, and Niall Adams from PlotBox.
Thursday 30th November 2023 – ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk was joined by Funeral Suppliers’ Association Chief Executive, Alun Tucker, who discussed achieving Professional Excellence through Coffin Accreditation. Alun also broadly discussed the process of the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association Testing Protocol.
Thursday 26th October 2023 – an ICCM Question and Answer session with ICCM Chief Executive Julie Dunk in conversation with ICCM President, Marian Millington, and ICCM Deputy President, Andy Bond. Questions from viewers include what to do if ashes are buried without the proper authority; criteria for the Cemetery of the Year Awards, and what do you do if you get a request for a burial in a grave that isn’t there!
Thursday 28th September 2023 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mathew Crawley and Julie Dunk discussing the introduction of the Medical Examiner system, and the pros and cons of scattering ashes and the legal framework around this.
Thursday 31st August 2023 – Exploring the delicate balance between digital engagement and compassionate communication. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk was joined by Eimer Duffy of FIT Social Media, who discussed the topic of “How to have a compassionate online presence for cemeteries and crematoriums.” Eimer explored the delicate balance between digital engagement and compassionate communication in the funeral industry, delving into best practices for cemeteries and crematoriums to craft a respectful online presence, focusing on strategies to foster trust, provide support and create meaningful connections with grieving families in the digital age.
Thursday 27th July 2023 – ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk & Hidde Verberne, Director at OrthoMetals B.V. discuss the ICCM Recycling of Metals Scheme and give an in-depth look at OrthoMetals’ unique recycling service, their history and the process at OrthoMetals’ state of the art facilities in the Netherlands. They are also joined by Clare Shaw, Company Director of Green Hat Wellbeing, who discusses what the donation from this initiative means to them.
Thursday 8th June 2023 – the webinar focussed on Public Health funerals and featured ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and local authority Public Health Funerals Officer and author of the book Ashes to Admin, Evie King in conversation. Julie and Evie discussed the MHCLG Guidance on Public Health Funerals, and the Quaker Social Action mystery shopping exercise looking at local authorities’ compliance with the guidance and the amount of information on their websites. Julie and Evie also discuss how Evie came to write her book about her experiences in carrying out public health funerals, and share stories demonstrating their passion for this essential service.
Thursday 30th March 2023 – an ICCM Question and Answer session focussing on memorials and inscriptions, with ICCM Officers Mat Crawley and Julie Dunk.
Thursday 26th January 2023 – Simon Holden of the Faunus Group returned to talk about the recent installation of the first fully sustainable cremation ash dispersal area at Beckenham Crematorium, as well as best practice when reinstating historical scatter beds for future use. Simon discussed the latest developments in the Organic Dispersal, or composting, area of the UK funeral sector.
Thursday 15th December 2022 – a virtual quiz featuring four rounds of ten questions, with two rounds being related to some of the subjects we have discussed on the webinars this year, and two rounds being Christmas trivia.
Thursday 28th July 2022 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Julie Dunk discussing some of the enquiries they have recently received from members.
Thursday 30th June 2022 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Mathew Crawley and Julie Dunk discussing some of the enquiries they have recently received from members. Discussions took place on suitable materials for coffins, exclusive rights of burial, and dealing with unauthorised memorials.
Thursday 26th May 2022 – The subject of the webinar is ‘What Causes Statutory Bereavement Leave to Remain a Taboo Subject Within the Workplace – In Discussion’
ICCM Technical & Member Services Officer Mat Crawley, presents the key findings of his thesis research on ‘What Causes Statutory Bereavement Leave to Remain a Taboo Subject Within UK Business?’ Joined alongside several contributors to his project, they aim to discuss and understand the current scope of the issue, and to explore if we are doing all we can to support ourselves, and each other through such a sensitive time.
Thursday 28th April 2022 – an ICCM Question and Answer session with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Julie Dunk, focussing on the recently published guidance from the Environment Agency on Protecting Groundwater from Human Burials, and other questions from members.
Thursday 31st March 2022 – the webinar is entitled The Energy Market: An overview, the current crisis, & cost mitigation strategies, and was presented by Ruari Cairns, Head of Risk, Open Energy Market; Gregory Lotigie, Head of Trading, Open Energy Market, and Jonathan Rich, Partnership Development Manager, Open Energy Market. ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Trevor Robson were also present. The webinar is vital for all those looking to ensure their energy purchases provide the best value for money.
Thursday 24th February 2022 – the webinar featured the GreenAcres team discussing End of Life Planning – understanding changing consumer needs. The team provided an overview of recent research and market trends, and explained changing consumer attitudes and the need to provide more choice for families dealing with bereavement. ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Mathew Crawley answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 27th January 2022 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mathew Crawley and Julie Dunk answering questions from attendees, and discussing issues relating to the cremated remains.
Thursday 25th November 2021 – the ICCM AGM, featuring the Board of Directors and Officers of the ICCM. Followed by the ICCM Photographic Competition, the President’s Address, and an open forum with questions from viewers.
Thursday 11th November 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mathew Crawley and Julie Dunk answering questions from attendees, and discussing some of the enquiries they have recently received from members.
Thursday 28th October 2021 – the webinar featured Heidi Bignell of the Environment Agency discussing the current DEFRA consultation on amendments to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 as applied to groundwater activities and related surface water discharge activities, which will have an impact on existing and future cemeteries. Heidi also answered questions from attendees.
Thursday 14th October 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer session, with ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Julie Dunk answering questions posed by members.
Thursday 30th September 2021 – guest speakers from Grief Works App, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and Sands. The Creator of the new Grief Works App, Julia Samuel MBE discussed how the app’s 28 day course helps to process grief and its importance if someone is ambivalent about seeing a therapist, waiting to see a therapist or in between therapy sessions. Julia also explained how ICCM members can take advantage of an offer to use the app for free. The second part of the webinar featured Victoria Luk from Sands, talking about how they have benefitted from the ICCM Recycling of Metals Scheme donations, and how the money has been used to help bereavement families. The third part of the webinar featured Eric Thwaites from Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide discussing how ICCM donations have helped the charity by way of supporting the group’s National helpline, the ongoing support the charity offers to those on their own traumatic journey and the impact of the Pandemic on the organisation.
Thursday 16th September 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer Masterclass on home burial, cremation, and public health act funerals. ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Julie Dunk posed a number of questions relating to home burial, cremation, and publich health act funerals, with attendees voting for their preferred answer. The Officers then discussed their interpretation of the correct answer and why. This interactive session also attracted questions from attendees, which officers answered.
Thursday 2nd September 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer Masterclass on gravedigging and exclusive rights of burial. ICCM Officers Sofia Allan, Mat Crawley and Julie Dunk posed a number of questions relating to gravedigging and exclusive rights of burial, with attendees voting for their preferred answer. The Officers then discussed their interpretation of the correct answer and why. This interactive session also attracted questions from attendees, which officers answered.
Thursday 5th August 2021 – an ICCM webinar on the Competition and Market’s Authority report into the funerals market and the subsequent Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021. Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, explained what this means for funeral directors, and Charles Ward, ICCM Company Solicitor, highlighted the reporting requirements for cremation authorities and companies.
Thursday 22nd July 2021 – an ICCM webinar on Dementia. David Lockwood from Finders International presented on the important work of Dementia Friends. David spoke about what it is like to live with dementia and how to turn that understanding into action. David also explained how you can become a Dementia Friend.
Thursday 8th July 2021 – an ICCM webinar on Natural Burial. The founder of natural burial, Ken West MBE, was in conversation with ICCM Chief Executive Julie Dunk, and discussed his inspiration behind natural burial, what challenges he faced in setting up the first natural burial site in the UK, and what he sees as the future for natural burial. The second part of the webinar featured Sheridon Rosser of the Atlantic Rest Natural Burial Ground in Cornwall, talking about her experiences of setting up and running this natural burial ground.
Thursday 24th June 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer Masterclass on exhumation and exclusive rights of burial. ICCM Officers Sofia Allana and Julie Dunk posed a number of questions on exhumation and exclusive rights of burial, with attendees voting for their preferred answer. The Officers then discussed their interpretation of the correct answer and why. The interactive session proved entertaining as well as educational, and attendees gave really good feedback about the session.
Thursday 10th June 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring the National Medical Examiner, Dr Alan Fletcher, and the Group Facilitator of the Environmental Stewardship Group, Jon Cross. Alan provided an update on the medical examiner system and its implementation and transition to statutory status, and Jon introduced the Environmental Stewardship Group and discussed its current and future challenges, as well as introducing the opportunity for views to help lead the bereavement sector to sustainability.
Thursday 27th May 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Simon Holden of the Faunus Group talking about Precision Organic Dispersal (POD), a new form of body disposal as an alternative to burial and cremation. A question and answer session followed Simon’s presentation.
Thursday 13th May 2021 – an ICCM webinar entitled Resomation: An Explanation and Update of This Environmentally Sustainable End of Life Option. Howard Pickard, Managing Director of Resomation Limited spoke about what Resomation is and why we need it, and gave an update on its anticipated introduction in the UK and its current operation elsewhere in the world. A question and answer session followed Howard’s presentation.
Thursday 29th April 2021 – an ICCM Question and Answer Masterclass. ICCM Officers Sofia Allana, Mathew Crawley and Julie Dunk posed a number of questions relating to different aspects of bereavement services, with attendees voting for their preferred answer. The Officers then discussed their interpretation of the correct answer and why. The interactive session proved entertaining as well as educational, and attendees gave really good feedback about the session.
Thursday 15th April 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Poppy Mardall and Victoria Mellor from Poppy’s Funerals. Poppy and Victoria discussed why they think a fresh approach is needed for death care, what they think needs to change, and how. They brought stories from their team and work on the frontline to bring the discussion to life.
Thursday 1st April 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Linda Magistris, CEO and Founder of the Good Grief Trust, and Natasha Bradshaw, manager at Mortlake Crematorium. Linda explained the work of the Good Grief Trust, the UK’s leading network of bereavement services, bringing over 800 charities together under one umbrella. Run by the bereaved, they offer early signposting to a choice of tailored help from day one. The Good Grief combined condolence and signposting cards and national database, provide the bereaved and front-line services, access to local, regional and national support for those grieving. – Help and Hope in One Place. Natasha explained how she is keen to ensure those grieving in the community are able to access suitable support. The Crematorium can be a place where bereaved people feel able to talk about the person who has died, and for many who are alone or not connected to the world via social media this connection is vital. Natasha talked about some of the things she and her team have done and are planning to do to. “It isn’t the circumstance of the death that will predict a positive or negative outcome, it is the support they get at the time and after the death. This is the key component to anybody finding a way to rebuild their life.” (Julia Samuel; Psychotherapist). ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, was also present to answer questions from attendees.
Thursday 18th March 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Tracey Jolliffe, Cemetery Manager from Watford Borough Council, and Jane Matheson, Bereavement Services Operational Manager from City of Edinburgh Council. Tracey and Jane both appeared on webinars at the start of the pandemic last year, and returned to give their thoughts on how they dealt with the pandemic, what they have learned, and what tentative steps they are taking with the easing of lockdown. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, was also present to answer questions from attendees.
Thursday 4th March 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Officers Julie Dunk, Mathew Crawley and Sofia Allana delivering a Question and Answer Masterclass. The Officers posed questions relating to various aspects of bereavement services, and attendees voted on their preferred answer, with some surprising results! The Officers then gave their view on the correct answers, and led discussions around the topics covered. This interactive session was both educational and fun, and attendees gave very positive feedback about it.
Thursday 18th February 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Kevin Spurgeon, from Dignity Pet Crematorium and the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria. Kevin treated listeners to a Virtual Tour of Victorian Pet Cemeteries, and talked about how the Victorian era saw people’s attitudes change from using animals in a functional role towards embracing them as a much loved part of the family. Kevin also discussed the current pandemic and its impact on pet funerals. Julie Dunk, Chief Executive of the ICCM also attended and took part in the discussion. The webinar opens with possibly the only example of a ‘cat off’ on a webinar!
Thursday 4th February 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring grief expert Carole Henderson, Managing Director at Grief UK, with a talk entitled ‘Fit your own oxygen mask first’. Carole explained how self-care isn’t an indulgence, but is essential to be able to maintain supporting others into the medium and long term. Carole included some useful tips for self-care, and also for holding meetings with teams. Carole has recently produced a useful guide called Teaching in 2021; much of the information and advice contained here is applicable to our line of work. Please feel free to download, use and circulate the guide to anybody you feel would benefit from it. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 21st January 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Keith Anderson, Lead Information Security Consultant of Vertical Structures. Keith spoke about Navigating Uncertain Times and Ensuring Data Security (Part 2). His presentation covered understanding ever changing threats, and the tactics criminals use to attack your organisation, as well as how you can protect your data. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 7th January 2021 – an ICCM webinar featuring Keith Anderson, Lead Information Security Consultant of Vertical Structure. Keith spoke about Navigating Uncertain Times and Ensuring Data Security. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 10th December 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring Mohamed Omer MBE of the Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery and ICCM Director, talking about how the Muslim Community are coping with the Pandemic, and Charles Ward, ICCM Honorary Solicitor, talking about Coronavirus Law for Cemetery and Crematorium Managers. Sofia Allana, ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 26th November 2020 – an ICCM webinar on the subject of ‘Approaching the Topic of Death’, with guest speaker Sue Holden, Chair of the Institute of Civil Funerals. Sue gave insights on Death Cafes, and how we do or do not talk about death and dying. ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, Sofia Allana, answered questions from viewers.
Thursday 12th November 2020 – the ICCM AGM, featuring the Board of Directors and Officers of the ICCM. Followed by an open forum with questions from viewers.
Thursday 29 October 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and Sales Consultant and Cleaning Specialist of the Mazwell Group, Ben Whitworth – topics discussed include cleaning procedures during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; attendance of covid poisitive people at a funeral; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 15 October 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and Chairman of PlotBox, Andrew Clark – topics discussed include transforming cemetery operations to improve customer service; innovating in customer service to better serve families and the impact this can have on revenue generation; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 1 October 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, Sofia Allana, and Bereavement Services Manager for Sefton Council, Peter Campbell – topics discussed include Sefton Council’s experience of Covid-19, new ways of working, related changes, service suspension and recovery, preparation for a second wave; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 17 September 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and PlotBox VP Business Development for North America, Neil Sherrin – topics discussed include the Children’s Funeral Fund; Cemetery Marketing 101; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 3 September 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Bereavement and Business Support Officer for South Staffordshire Council, Rebecca Morgan, and Customer Success Manager for PlotBox, Gareth Boyd – topics discussed include public health funerals; customer engagement and experience during challenging times; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 20 August 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, Sofia Allana, and BRAMM Development Officer, Philip Potts – topics discussed include how the BRAMM scheme can help cemeteries; answers to questions from viewers.
Thursday 6 August 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, Sofia Allana, ICCM Technical and Member Services Office, Mat Crawley, and Head of Culture and Talent at PlotBox, Jane Askin – topics discussed include an exclusive right of burial masterclass; staying connected to your people; answers to questions from viewers.
23 July 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk; National Association of Funeral Directors Chief Executive, Jon Levett – topics discussed include the challenges faced by funeral directors during the first wave of COVID-19; answers to questions from viewers.
9 July 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk; Founder of Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground, Simon Ferrar, and Marketing Team Leader for PlotBox, Laura O’Neill – topics discussed include how the Covid-19 period has affected funerals; gaining and maintaining families using a CRM; answers to questions from viewers.
25 June 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Chief Executive Officer of Greenacres, Andy Tait, and Liverpool City Council Bereavement Services Manager, Alan Sheldon – topics discussed include an overview of partnership arrangements that have maintained the mortality pathway in Merseyside during the pandemic; answers to questions from viewers.
11 June 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Dr Kate Woodthorpe of the Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, and VP Business Development N America for PlotBox, Neil Sherrin – topics discussed include a reflection on public perceptions of deathcare professionals; change management; answers to questions from viewers.
28 May 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Managing Director of Grief UK, Carole Henderson, and Bereavement Services Manager for Liverpool City Council, Alan Sheldon – topics discussed include how the coronavirus crisis is impacting on grief; useful tips for explaining the coronavirus to children; a city council and wider area response to the coronavirus crisis; answers to questions from viewers.
21 May 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Managing Director of Civil Ceremonies Ltd, Anne Barber and Secretary of the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, Brendan Day – topics discussed include how celebrants are dealing with issues caused by the coronavirus crisis; the formation and work of the Deceased Management Advisory Group; answers to questions from viewers.
14 May 2020 – an ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, ICCM Technical and Member Services Officer, Mathew Crawley, and Director, Dignity Plc, Steve Gant – topics discussed include the ICCM CTTS scheme; Dignity’s steps to continue providing an excellent service in the next phase of the pandemic; answers to questions from viewers.
7 May 2020 – An ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Co-Founder of Heartled Wellbeing, Annie Raven-Vause and Ambassador for the Westerleigh Group, Alan Jose- topics discussed include steps you can take to look after yourself whilst dealing with the stresses and strains of the current situation; the Westerleigh Group’s response to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic; answers to questions from viewers.
30 April 2020 – An ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, City of Edinburgh Council Bereavement Services Operations Manager, Jane Matheson, and The Mazwell Group Ltd Sales Consultant and Cleaning Specialist, Ben Whitworth – topics discussed include cleaning during the pandemic; protecting teams working in cemeteries and crematoria; answers to questions from viewers.
23 April 2020 – An ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, Director of the CDS Group, Justin Smith and Business Development Director and Head of Planning at Memoria, Jamieson Hodgson – topics discussed include Environment Agency requirements for pandemic burials; cremation sector responses to the challenges of the pandemic; answers to questions from viewers.
16 April 2020 – An ICCM webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk and ICCM Technical Services and Journal Officer, Sofia Allana answering questions from viewers.
9 April 2020 – A PlotBox webinar which the ICCM took part in, featuring Watford Council Cemetery Manager, Tracy Jolliffe and ICCM Chief Executive Julie Dunk – topics discussed include planning for excess burials, IT systems and answers to questions from viewers.
2 April 2020 – A PlotBox audio webinar featuring ICCM Chief Executive, Julie Dunk, and Jason Masters from Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney, Australia, discussing approaches to preparing for the pandemic, and answering questions from listeners.
If there are any topics that you would like to be covered in a future webinar, please email them to julie.dunk@iccm-uk.com.
Disclaimer – Please note that the views of the invited speakers are not necessarily those of the ICCM. The ICCM does not condone or endorse any particular supplier, product or service.