funeral director

service associate

funeral home manager

receptionist

administrator

Funeral-Partners

I am currently employed as a Funeral Director in the UK's third largest Funeral Company.  Having previously worked for one of the largest Government Transport Agencies, and latterly Local Government Highways Inspectorate, I have to say I was initially skeptical at considering a move to yet another corporate faceless organisation.  Happily, how wrong I was!  From the initial interview process, through onboarding, to a discussion with my regional leads about my career aspirations I have found Funeral Partners to be attentive, responsive, keen to listen to concerns, and actively promote ambition and the drive to progress.

It's quite a sad reflection on the current state of the employment market here in the UK that what we should all consider a baseline is something that I find myself pointing out as an exception.  I feel valued as an employee, my regional development manager operated an 'open door' policy and nothing is too much trouble to approach her about - I wish I'd had her as my manager in my 20's when my confidence definitely needed it!  

Caring for people's loved ones, and the role of a funeral director is a dynamic working environment that keeps me forever on my toes, operating a continual reflective practice and analysing how I can improve with each funeral I conduct.  The emotional reward of this role is beyond measure, simply knowing that I have helped to guide our clients through one of the most challenging times, and celebrating the life of their loved one is something I didn't know I'd be capable of before I tried it; but I'm beyond thankful that I did.  I'm grateful to everyone who took a chance on me to give me this amazing opportunity.

It's difficult to give a soundbite about the 'hardest part of the job', we often think of 'hard' in terms of things we ourselves find challenging, such as deadlines, KPI's, Budgets etc......obviously we have day to day operational challenges, but my own experience of the 'hardest part' of my job is knowing I will come face to face with my client's grief and knowing there is nothing I can do to make it any easier for them; that is outside of my control.  However, I promise you if you make a change to this profession and you genuinely care about helping people there is no better reward that the handshake, hug, or card you receive following the ceremony that tells you "they couldn't have done it without you".

I prejudged 'corporate' based on negative prior experience and I couldn't have been more wrong. 

I worked at one of the company’s main operational hubs as a Funeral Service Operative. The role itself can be incredibly meaningful and rewarding, supporting families during difficult times and working as part of a dedicated team.

However, this was significantly undermined by the management culture and working conditions.

Management often appeared underqualified and out of touch with modern workplace expectations. There was a clear disconnect between leadership and frontline staff, which led to low morale. A common feeling among colleagues was that while they valued the work itself, they did not feel supported or respected by management.

Working conditions could be challenging. Staff are expected to wear full formal uniform regardless of extreme weather conditions, including high summer temperatures. The role also involves working in cold environments and standing outdoors for extended periods during services, sometimes without adequate protection.

The on-call system can be particularly demanding. Employees may be required to carry out multiple call-outs overnight and still be expected to complete a full working day, which raises concerns around fatigue and safety, particularly when driving.

Facilities and policies also leave room for improvement. For example, changing arrangements lacked privacy, and benefits such as sick pay were limited, despite the physical and emotional demands of the role.

Staff turnover is high, which reflects the wider issues within the workplace culture.

Overall, while the job itself is meaningful and can be deeply fulfilling, the company’s approach to staff welfare and management makes it difficult to recommend as a long-term workplace.

I am an office based arranger and administrator, answering emails, documentation, arranging with families, ordering flowers, webcast, music and paperwork relating to every funeral arranged and supported fully by my Manageress and higher Management and work colleagues always. Work place culture is professional, organised, timely with staff requests, care and attention a priority at all times. The hardest part of the job is simple it is not being able to take away the sadness our families experience through their losses although we strive to make the arrangements easier, with respect ,dignity and care.  The most enjoyable is to work in a continually confident, precise, rewarding and efficient work place knowing I have support from Managers and colleagues alike should I require this and at any time.
I have worked for 21 years in the profession with three previous funeral companies , Funeral Partners is without doubt the company that have noticed me, listened to me, supported me and hears me at the most important times. I value the fresh and staff orientated outlook that this company gives and may it long continue to prosper. 

working in the heart of the community where i have lived all my life,enables me to help so many families who i already know,
i feel respected in work and respected and recommended but families in our local area.
i only had 12 months previous experience of funeral care ,
i had a lot of transferable skills after working 25 years in the care and support sector.
which included end of life , palliative care , grief depression & mental health support.
also being widowed with 2 young children at the age of 39yrs  10yrs  ago, 
losing several very close relatives to sudden, tragic, death which includes suicide,cancer, sudden heart failure,  pre-term baby loss 6 times.
all my own pain and grief gives me a true understanding of the best way to support the families of the deceased .
all of which is recognised and supported by my colleagues and management team.
along side my personal and previous work experience .
Funeral Partners offer great training and offer continuous training .
all which i believe has given me a very good understanding in supporting clients, families and their loved one who i had been trusted to bring into my care and make all necessary funeral arrangements for their recently deceased loved one.


What is the best part of working at the company?
I’ve been in the funeral industry for 30 years and I can honestly say that working for Funeral Partners has been the best experience I’ve had the pleasure to work for. The team I work with are second to none. The management listen to your ideas and are there to help in any way they can. I must say when I first started work in the funeral industry, I absolutely loved it and feel I found my place in life helping and looking after bereaved families..With Funeral Partners it feels like I’ve gone back 30 years and started again. Hopefully here’s to a few more years yet!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There’s no stressful part of my job as the team/management look after you the best way they can! 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment and culture within Funeral Partners couldn’t be any better than it already is!

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Sometimes like any job when it’s busy the team work hard together, pulling out all the stops to help our families. Because that’s what we are there for.

An awful company, keeps expanding but does not look after the staff and branches it already has. 
Management team (I use those words loosely) have no idea how to manage staff, management never around unless it’s your turn to be picked on.
It’s some of the loyal arrangers and fso’s who keep the South East Region ticking along, makes Funeral Partners money and ensures the pathetic management keep their big shiny gold badges! Well Done Management, you don’t deserve some of the committed staff that constantly make you LOOK GOOD 👍🏼 
For Funeral Partners, it’s all about the money, and how much profit they can make on each funeral. No real care or understanding of families needs, just make sure you get as much money out of them as possible! 
My advice….. DO NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY! 
IF YOUR FACE DOESN’T FIT OR YOU DO NOT DANCE TO FUNERAL PARTNERS TUNE, THEN THEY WILL FIND A WAY TO GET RID OF YOU, YOU ARE JUST A NUMBER MAKING THEM MONEY!

I AM TOO EMBARRASSED TO PUT FUNERAL PARTNERS ON MY CV, ONCE YOU HAVE WORKED THERE, YOU WILL SOON WISH YOU HADN’T. 

I WOULDN’T EVEN LET THEM CARE FOR MY DEAD HAMSTER, LET ALONE A LOVED FAMILY MEMBER

Having only worked for funeral partners for a short while I already feel that the prospects and opportunities with working in the company are endless. I have received a thorough informative induction giving me the chance to work alongside experienced staff members who all certainly know the ins and outs of the business. Training and learning development opportunities are encouraged and offered on a monthly basis giving skill sets to carry out the job with ease. 

All team members are available whenever needed and more than willing to offer support and encouragement to get the job done to the highest standard. Out side of the box thinking is encouraged and listened to so we aren't just working like robots. Management have good and regular communication with staff and their transparent and honest approach makes going to them with any queries or advice so easy and reassuring that you will be listened to.

I’ve always thought that work places are what you make it, and that’s everyone’s responsibility. Luckily in the area of funeral partners I work for, everyone is agreeable, we all share the same goals, bring different opinions to the table and we all get along, resulting in a brilliant work place. It’s busy, hard work, but it all pays off and the work is shared fairly. I came from a horribly toxic workplace before and funeral partners has just been a breath of fresh air. 
The hardest part of the job to me is keeping up with the demand of the nature of the job, such as worrying about funeral timings, and assuring that everything perfect for the clients/families, but the most enjoyable part is meeting those families and knowing that you made the day they’ll remember for the rest of their life go smoothly. 
Work/life balance due to on call can be a bit difficult although it’s all part of the job!
Hoping it all continues and I stay with funeral partners a good while, really loving it

I worked for FPL for over 3 years and was good at the job, getting many favourable reviews from families.
The inability of Managers to conduct a decent conversation let alone an interview or disciplinary investigation competently is laughable. 
The entire business is target driven with the care of families coming a very poor second. That is not to say the lower levels of employee don't care, but with targets for everything from funeral numbers to flower sales, orders of service and even embalming set for each branch, don't expect to supply what your families want.
I was driven out of the business in order for them to retain an FD who had resigned but was half my age and more malleable to the business ethos. I was ganged up on and bullied out with no avenue of defence.
FPL is a business owned by a group of investors and building itself on young staff with the public image being paramount rather than consideration for those who should be priority at such a time.

In all my years I can hand on heart say this is the best company I have ever had the pleasure to work for.

The ethos runs true and the company are dedicated to the families to which they serve. To me I find it immensely rewarding knowing I work for a company that truly cares.

The management really look after the staff. In my case working closely with me to ensure I am able to perform to my best ability and aid support in my area. 
They are flexible where needed and really promote work/life balance.

In my role I meet with Fd’s and arrangers daily, all of which are passionate about what they do and truly enjoy working for FPL. They look at it as a vocation or calling as opposed to a job. Taking pride in being an integral part of the community, Which to me speak volumes. 

Fantastic management, Fantastic teams and most importantly to me a company I am proud to champion

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Funeral director 156 salaries reported	£27,603 per year
Service associate 234 salaries reported	£13.12 per hour
Funeral home manager 10 salaries reported	£34,050 per year
Receptionist 9 salaries reported	£22,233 per year
Administrator 13 salaries reported	£26,170 per year

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