LEVEL
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WHY THIS COURSE?
The Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme (COTS) is the essential foundation for anyone working hands-on in cemeteries, graveyards, or natural burial grounds. This City and Guilds-accredited course combines expert instruction, practical experience, and assessment against the ICCM’s Code of Safe Working Practice, ensuring teams work safely, efficiently, and with dignity. Students gain technical skills, confidence, and awareness of ethical standards, leaving equipped to manage burials professionally. With hands-on training on the latest equipment and the chance to learn from peers, COTS is vital for operational cemetery teams.
DURATION
Course 1 - 1-3 days. Course 2a & 2b - 5 days. Course 3 - 2 days.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Anyone working in cemeteries, graveyards, and natural burial grounds.
DELIVERY
In Person
WHAT'S COVERED?
Course 1 - Health and Safety and the Burial Process.
The first section of this City and Guilds-accredited programme involves practical demonstrations with active student participation. Course tutor Martin builds on the students’ existing knowledge of safe working practices, preparing them to successfully complete the assessments in the second section of the course.
Students will be assessed on their competence in carrying out the following tasks using safe practice:
Initial Preparations
Excavation
(Employers will select the type(s) of shoring currently used in their cemeteries)
Preparation for Interment
Course 2a - Safe Use of the Excavator and Course 2b – Safe Use of the Dumper in the Sensitive Cemetery Environment.
Hands-on practical sessions designed to enhance the skills and competence of operatives, while also raising awareness of Health & Safety and Customer Care.
Each participant on the excavator course will have access to a machine, with a maximum of four students per course.
Students will be trained and assessed in the following areas:
Course 3 - Controlling Risks in Cemeteries
The Session is divided into two parts:
Part 1
Part 2
Participants apply what they have learned to develop a set of risk assessments specific to their own workplace. This includes reviewing current practices, identifying potential improvements, and making decisions regarding safety equipment, costs, and suitability for the work environment. Completed assessments must be submitted within 28 days of attending the course for evaluation.
PROGRAMME
INVESTMENT for MEMBERS
Upon Application
INVESTMENT for NON MEMBERS
Upon Application
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.
Over 24 years’ experience with COTS Extensive practical knowledge Up-to-date industry expertise
Booking Terms and Conditions
· Cancellations and refunds – receipt of the completed booking form is a contract.
· Cancellations must be made in writing at least 7 working days before the event.
· Cancellations made less than 7 working days before the event will not be refunded and you will be charged the full fee. No refund will be given for non-attendance.
· Substitution of delegates at no extra charge maybe made by emailing ICCM – enquiries@iccm-uk.com.
· Numbers of delegates per course will be restricted to 15.
· The fee for the online training covers attendance and documentation. In the unlikely event of cancellation by the organisers, any fees paid will be refunded but no further liability will be accepted.
· The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme, or the instructor should this be necessary.
· As part of the booking process we will record your name and email address, this will also be used to request voluntary feedback after the course date – if you do not want your details to be held after the course has run then please inform us for them to be deleted.
· Your details will not be processed for any other function, any feedback received may be shared anonymously for marketing purposes only.
