Website News

A domain name for Ireland
We've had some problems with our website and its use in Eire, so we are looking at obtaining an Irish domain name. These are strictly controlled, but we believe the Institute does comply with the rules and that we qualify for a .ie name. We're progressing our enquiries on that front, and hope to have an Irish domain name functioning in the near future.

It is good to hear that that our 'Irish branch' is flourishing and it was great to see one of their number at Conference.
 

Tributes page on website
Amongst the requests which came out of Conference, one was to have a 'Tributes Page' on the website.

Council discussed the subject in some depth and it was noted that there are already a huge number of websites devoted to just this subject, and also that there are moral difficulties in deciding just when such tributes should be erased. The decision was therefore taken that, at this time, we will not be adding a 'Tributes Page' to the website.
 

Links and reciprocal links
In the wonderful world of the web, links on websites are very important - they are used by search engines to "organise" the internet, and to help make your website findable. Reciprocal links are even more important - they tell the search engines that your website is part of a like-minded network, and so the importance of both websites is augmented.

One of the benefits of your membership is that you can have a link from your entry on the IoCF map to your website. Many members are already taking advantage of this - if you haven't and would like to, just drop an email to Sharon at Siserone (sharon@siserone.co.uk) with your website URL (please also let her know what region(s) you are located in) and she will do the rest.

And if you can include a reciprocal link from your site to the IoCF site, then we'll all benefit from higher search engine page rankings.
 

Use of the Forum
It seems that entries on the Forum have dropped to a stage where they are almost negligible. Despite some earlier glitches, the Forum is now in perfect working order, so please do use it - it can be an invaluable source of help and support.
 

 
Conference 2012 and 2013

The report on the 2012 Conference is now available in the Members' Area on the website - in the News and Events section.

The 2013 Conference will again be at Hillscourt, from 1st-3rd November. Viv O'Neill is already 'on the case' - and I'm pleased to report that suggestions are rolling in. If you missed the 2012 bash, make 2013 a priority!

One of the suggestions at Conference 2012 was for members to pay for Conference 2012 in instalments. Council has discussed this and have decided that this might be a logistical and administrative challenge, so for the moment, we will not pursue the idea.

Another decision taken by Council about Conference related to non-members - this year we allowed a handful of lapsed members to attend Conference, and while it was good in that it gave us a boost in numbers, this is not something that we want to carry on, so from next year, Conference will be open to members only.
 

 
Admin News

Code of Conduct and scripts
To guard against faux pas of any kind, the Code of Conduct has been amended so as to advise members to send families a copy of the whole ceremony script for checking before the funeral - 99.9% of scripts attract no criticism, but it is important to guard against that small number where we get something wrong with the tribute.
 

Leaflet revamp
We are looking to alter the design of our leaflets - it will have the same information albeit slightly re-jigged and in trifold form.

We are also producing two leaflets aimed specifically at funeral arrangers and directors - FD guide to Civil Funerals and FD Questions answered. First drafts of these are available for you to download in the Members' Area (Resources section).

If you have any suggestions about developing any of these ideas, please e-mail the Chairman before January 16th.
 

Booking forms, questionnaires et al
These have been re-designed. Please remember that if your families are willing, the questionnaires can be sent to them by e-mail. All you need do then is enter the e-mail address and not the postal address.

You are probably already aware that your family questionnaires will be e-mailed to you. Copies won't be sent if there is no written comment and all the boxes are ticked as 'OK'.

You will also be e-mailed a copy of your annual crematorium assessment.
 

Fees - and proof of membership
Don't panic - no increases! However, Council have been aware for some time of issues concerning new members. It has been decided that once a new member joins the Institute, they will pay a reduced fee for the first full year of membership and that will be 50%. There are some admin issues around this but we have to give it a try.

The question was asked at Conference as to whether we could provide a form for members that proves continuing membership - some FDs want to know. For the time being, we suggest that members have their annual paid invoice for membership to hand when they visit.
 

Mentoring
This has always been a tricky issue - not least for the cries of pain at the thought that you might be helping someone who you see as taking away your trade! However, newer members are asking for mentoring and guidance, and even more long-standing members have need of something similar. Are you someone who would like to be at the end of a telephone to offer guidance and assistance when required? If so, please e-mail the Chairman and let him know. Your willingness will be advertised on the website for others to see and take advantage of.
 

 
Database Statistics

Last month's newsletter gave the stats for October, but they were not labelled as such. Apologies.

Here are the stats for November 2012.

Total number of booking forms logged: 414

 
2013 Diary Dates

 
And finally ...

All members of Council wish each of you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If you have any urgent need to contact the IoCF over the holiday period, Peter McNulty is providing cover on 07710 218 400.
 

Thanks for reading
Barbara