We are the longest established membership organisation serving the bereavement care sector in the United Kingdom. We champion the needs of bereaved people by influencing legislation, encouraging dialogue and empowering bereavement professionals to achieve great things. Our team is small and our commitment is huge, standing on our history rather than resting on it, we continually seek to help our members succeed with training and guidance in best practice.
With hands-on experience across all levels of bereavement services, spanning both public and private sectors, I’m driven by a deep passion to champion services that not only meet the needs of bereaved individuals, but also exceed their expectations. My work across diverse regions of the UK has given me a powerful insight into how uniquely local, personal, and intricate bereavement support can be. This understanding has been instrumental in shaping strategies to help our sector grow and evolve.
I firmly believe that those who work in this field do so with a genuine calling, which is to support people at one of the most emotionally vulnerable moments in their lives. That belief fuels everything I, and we at the ICCM do. Leading the ICCM is an honour, and in our role as the sector’s leading provider of training, guidance, and policy, I’m focused on building a future where our members are empowered, inspired, and equipped to deliver the highest standards of care so that together, we can drive the sector and standards forward.
Jennifer’s background is in crematorium management, and she was fortunate to manage a beautiful site in Ayrshire where she was involved in the crematorium from its earliest days. She then saw it through its evolution to an award-winning facility, so she understands the practicalities of developing and growing a trusted and respected community asset. Her role in the ICCM is to assist members with any queries, particularly regarding Scottish law and to keep members up to date by sharing good news stories and best practice through The Journal.
When she’s not working, Jenni can be found reading, trying to stay awake in front of the television or singing in her local community choir.
Trevor is the Finance and IT Manager for ICCM. This means he handles all membership renewals and information to make sure we are getting and keeping in touch with you for updates, courses and legislation. He is also responsible for all ICCM financial and management accounting, managing feedback on our courses to improve them and the administration of donations from the ICCM/OrthoMetals, national recycling of metals scheme.
When he's not at his desk, you’ll usually find him out at castles, gardens or looking around at cuddly animals at wildlife parks.
Sofia’s career in bereavement services started in 2002, covering all aspects of cemetery & crematorium Management. She joined the ICCM in 2019 and uses her vast experience to help members on cemetery and crematorium operational and legislative issues.
Outside of work, she’s passionate about travel and can be often be found planning her next holiday! Sofia also enjoys long seaside walks or happily binge-watching a good series!
Having served with the ICCM for over two decades Julie’s role has gone through a number of changes. She continues to be the focal point for members, helping with their queries. She also manages the training and development schedule and administers the course certification process.
Evenings are often spent unwinding with a great film or catching up on the latest TV series. She appreciates a good storyline and is always open to recommendations.
Oliver's career in bereavement services started in 2013 where he carried out numerous roles in a private sector site in Lincolnshire, before eventually managing it. He's built up his knowledge through hands-on experience and understands how processes and operations function in real situations. His role in the ICCM is to work closely with the other Technical Services Officers, assist members with legislative and operational queries, help deliver training and work on projects. He enjoys meeting members and being able to share experiences!
When he's not working, he can be found walking his two dogs or planning a holiday.
Martin has over 24 years of experience with the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme (COTS), working with both Berkshire College of Agriculture and the ICCM. He progressed from course technician to instructor and later became an NPTC/City & Guilds assessor. His extensive hands-on experience across diverse ground conditions and practices makes his knowledge exceptional, and he works alongside instructors who stay current with industry, supplier, and Health & Safety Executive guidance.
Maria's role is to ensure the ICCM has share of voice in broadcast and print media, representing the membership, reacting to relevant news, as well as looking after social media content. She has spent over 25 years in public relations, working both agency side and in house, running press offices in a variety of sectors, including bereavement support.
Outside of her work with the ICCM, Maria runs a social enterprise supporting people with grief and loss, and enjoys walking her dogs, taking care of her family and chickens, as well as writing and painting.
