Flintshire Council Secures National Award for Bereavement Services for Second Year Running
Flintshire County Council has once again been honored with a prestigious national award for its Bereavement Services, marking the second consecutive year of this achievement. The council was named the best performer in the Cemetery and Crematorium Services category at the recent Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Performance Network Awards ceremony, which took place in Blackpool.
Recognition Based on Comprehensive Performance Data
The winners of the APSE Performance Network Awards are determined through rigorous analysis of data shared by local authorities across the United Kingdom. This data encompasses a wide range of criteria, including financial management, staff and operational management, policies, and accreditations. Out of approximately 50 eligible local authorities, Flintshire County Council emerged as the top performer in the Cemetery and Crematorium Services category for the second year in a row. Previously, the council had been acknowledged as the most improved service in this area, highlighting its ongoing commitment to excellence.
This national recognition has positioned Flintshire's Bereavement Services as a benchmark for other local authorities, who are now using the council's performance as a standard to measure against. The team's consistent high standards have set a notable example in the public sector.
Scope and Responsibilities of Bereavement Services
Flintshire's Bereavement Services are responsible for managing 15 cemeteries and eight closed churchyards throughout the county. Their duties include all aspects of ground maintenance and handling approximately 450 interments each year. Additionally, the team conducts an annual Memorial Safety Programme, which involves inspecting around 20,000 memorials to ensure public safety. They also oversee about 25 Public Health Funerals annually, providing essential support during challenging times for residents.
Official Statements and Broader Impact
Councillor Ted Palmer, the cabinet member for Highways, Assets and Public Protection, expressed immense pride in the Bereavement Services team. He stated, "We're incredibly proud of our Bereavement Services team for their hard work and commitment to delivering a first-class service. The team provides a vital service to the people of Flintshire at what can be some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they do so with professionalism and compassion. That their efforts have once again been recognised at a national level is a real testament to the high standards they uphold every day."
APSE, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the delivery of frontline services to local communities across the UK, works with over 300 local authorities. This award underscores the importance of high-quality public services and Flintshire's role as a leader in this field.
