Statement from FBCA Chief Executive Mike Birkinshaw following Robert Bush sentencing hearing

FBCA Chief Executive Mike Birkinshaw has issued the following statement in response to Robert Bush’s sentencing hearing, following the investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors:

Robert Bush’s sentencing hearing, following the investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, marks the conclusion of one of the most distressing cases to confront the funeral profession in recent years.

Our first thoughts remain with every family whose trust was so profoundly betrayed. Bereaved people have the right to expect honesty, dignity and professionalism from those entrusted with the care of their loved ones. When that trust is abused, the damage reaches far beyond individual families. It undermines public confidence and causes lasting emotional harm to those who believed they were doing the very best for someone they loved.

The FBCA unequivocally condemns any conduct that deceives the public, exploits bereaved families or falls short of the standards of integrity that society rightly expects from funeral professionals

It is important that this case is seen for what it is: an exceptional failure, not a reflection of the funeral profession as a whole.

Across the United Kingdom, funeral directors, burial authorities and cremation professionals serve their communities every day with compassion, professionalism and unwavering respect for the deceased and the bereaved.

However, public confidence must never be taken for granted.

The FBCA fully supports the introduction of proportionate statutory regulation for funeral directors.

At the same time, it is important that future policy is developed on the basis of fact rather than perception. The burial and cremation sector is not unregulated. Burial authorities, cremation authorities, cemeteries and crematoria already operate within comprehensive statutory frameworks that govern the lawful management of facilities and processes involving the deceased.

Future regulation of funeral directing should therefore complement the existing legislative framework. It should be carefully designed to close identified gaps, raise professional standards and strengthen public confidence without creating unnecessary regulatory overlap.

The lesson from this case is not simply that regulation is required. It is that regulation must be effective, proportionate and properly enforced.

The FBCA remains committed to working with government, regulators, local authorities and the wider profession to support a regulatory framework that protects bereaved families, promotes excellence and preserves confidence in every stage of the funeral, burial and cremation process.

Bereaved families deserve complete honesty, absolute transparency and the highest standards of professional care.

Mike Birkinshaw
Chief Executive
Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities