APSE Cemeteries and Crematoria Seminar 2025

Breathing new life into bereavement services

Thursday 20 November 2025

Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP

VIEW PROGRAMME HERE

As local authority bereavement services face unprecedented pressure to achieve more with less, authorities are being forced to consider alternative ways of delivering this vital and sensitive service.

This seminar explores the delivery of local authority cemetery and crematoria services and examines examples of innovation in service delivery, the legal environment and the challenges ahead, with expert speakers from local authorities and the wider sector sharing their knowledge and experience.

Presentations

Delivering bereavement services that meet the needs of the community
Ellie Fraser, Head of Bereavement and Coronial Services, Sheffield City Council

What does Local Government Reorganisation mean for Bereavement Services
Sam Diamond, Head of Bereavement Services and Trading Standards, North Northamptonshire Council.

Taking at-risk heritage assets out of the past and into the 21st Century and beyond!
Kari Vickers, Deputy Manager, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust and Rebecca Taylor, Historic Environmental Officer, Newcastle City Council

Planning cemeteries: There potential contribution to green infrastructure and ecosystem services
Danielle Sinnett, Professor in Sustainable Built Environments, UWE, Bristol

Taking a more commercial approach to ensure a sustainable future
Joanne Halliday, Service Director Commercial Delivery, Newcastle-Under-Lyne Borough Council

AI Powered Safe Memorials
Matt Culpin, Chief Product Officer, Part of the Clear Skies - IEG Group

Our digital ancestry project
Dr Rachel Askew, Caring for Gods Earth