Ecclesiastical Planning Services (EPS) helps make compliance simple and straightforward so that funeral directors can get on with doing what they do best – providing local, expert care to their families.
EPS aims to translate FCA requirements into clear, practical guidance and a competency framework designed to keep firms safe and compliant.
Following the consultation on simplifying insurance rules, the FCA has issued revised guidance that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) remains mandatory but is more flexible, with Principal firms such as EPS responsible for ensuring training is appropriate for their Appointed Representative firms’ businesses and roles.
Denis Murphy, Training and Competency Manager at EPS, comments: “In line with new FCA guidance, we’ve responded with swift and impactful change by confidently streamlining our programme to 8 hours a year per plan arranger, focusing on essential knowledge without compromising quality. We are also enhancing the support available to Approved Persons, providing clearer guidance and practical resources to help them feel confident in their important role.
“Whether ensuring that only suitably vetted and trained people are permitted to arrange funeral plans, that all Approved Persons are deemed “fit and proper”, or protecting vulnerable customers, the FCA seeks to create a market that is fair, open and transparent.”
“We believe 8 hours of relevant CPD, complemented by strengthened support for Approved Persons, strikes the right balance between regulatory alignment and operational efficiency, while maintaining the high standards of professionalism funeral directing firms demonstrate in selling a regulated product.”
Professional development is a win-win
EPS’ new streamlined CPD framework covers topics such as managing risk, complaints handling and dealing with vulnerable customers – all of which are relevant to every facet of business. So, you can spend less time thinking about CPD yet still be confident that EPS will keep you regulatorily safe.
Preparing staff to arrange funeral plans through high-quality training and competency brings real benefits to funeral directing businesses. It can help staff to demonstrate their expertise as funeral plan arrangers, leading to better and more productive engagement with families and ultimately, better customer outcomes.
Denis goes on to say: “We often hear funeral directors asking, ‘What happens if I develop my people and they leave?’ My reply is simply, ’What happens if you don’t and they stay?’”
Career development helps increase staff retention and supports a stable and highly performing workforce. It can elevate taking a ‘job’ in the funeral industry into a long-term career choice for people of all ages.
Of course, if funeral directing staff are competent and confident in their dealings with customers, this will have a positive impact on plan sales and business performance. Staff can be considered an asset, and part of a funeral director’s unique brand.
This gives funeral directors a definite opportunity to reinforce their position as trusted local experts and be seen as the best place for customers to arrange their funeral plan – building and sustaining long-term family connections.
EPS goes further
EPS’ dedicated Training and Competence Team is comprised of people, not chatbots. They bring the human touch, providing hands-on support and development opportunities with a flexible, collaborative approach that focuses on funeral directors, understanding the impact training has on them, and their relationship with customers.
EPS bridges the gap between compliance and compassion - taking care of you and removing the worry, so you can take care of your families.
To find out more contact EPS on 0800 633 5626 or email learning@epsfunerals.com.