Three crematoria praised for ‘excellent service’
Three Westerleigh Group crematoria have been praised by official inspectors for an ‘excellent level of service provision’.
Waseley Hills Cemetery & Crematorium, which serves the communities of South Birmingham, Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire, and Sedgemoor Crematorium, in Somerset, earned very positive reports from the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities (FBCA) following inspections in January and February respectively.
West Lothian Crematorium was visited – also in January – by Robert Swanson, QPM, Senior Inspector of Burial Cremation and Funeral Directors (Scotland).
The FBCA’s Crematorium Compliance Scheme involved scrutinising six separate key areas of service delivery, through discussion and viewing of more than 80 points of interest.
Waseley Hills Cemetery & Crematorium Manager Claire Montague said: “I was particularly pleased that we were awarded full marks for Service and Staff by the inspector, Stuart Connelly.
“He said he was ‘extremely impressed’ with the staff and facilities acknowledging the knowledge, dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism of my team.
“These comments from the inspector speak volumes about the kind of people who work here and sends a strong message to local families about the exceptional service they will receive from us.”
Sedgemoor Crematorium Manager Laura Williams said: “To be awarded 100% in four of the six areas of service delivery is a noteworthy achievement and shows we apply the highest standards to many areas of our work, which means our local communities can be confident that we’ll give them the very best care and support available.”
The Scottish Government inspector, Mr Swanson, said Westerleigh Group should be: “Justly proud of the high level of service provided by staff at West Lothian Crematorium.
“The close working relationship and willingness of staff to help others within the confines of the crematorium is evident to all and was also shown to be the case by their participation in charitable events.”
He added: “An example of their commitment and dedication is demonstrated by their attendance at the cremation during Storm Eowyn, ensuring all services and cremations that families wished to proceed, went ahead as scheduled.”
West Lothian Crematorium Manager Carole Rae said: “I was particularly pleased that the inspector highlighted the dedication and commitment of the team here.
“People are at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide exceptional service and care to the families we support, and we can only do that by having the right kind of caring professionals who are committed to delivering the highest standards in all that they do.”
Ed Lane, Westerleigh Group’s Managing Director – Crematoria and Cemeteries, said: “It was truly heartening to read these latest inspection reports.
"They highlight our commitment to consistently providing exceptional care, services and facilities to the bereaved communities we support across the country.
"These reports also offer reassurance to those we serve, demonstrating that Westerleigh Group always puts families first, providing compassionate and respectful support at all times.
"Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do - their dedication and professionalism are fundamental to the quality of our services. We take immense pride in their efforts, and it is their hard work and compassion that are reflected in these outstanding inspection results.”