The National Burial Council (NBC) is a national organisation that represents the needs of Muslim bereavement services across the UK. The council is dedicated to promoting transparency, consumer choice, and the development of bereavement services.

Established in 2014, the NBC is there to support the funeral directors and other service providers navigate through the legislative and faith-based requirements to ensure the services can be delivered, efficiently, cost effectively and to the highest standards expected by the bereaved families.

In order to achieve our objectives, NBC plays a vital role in working collaboratively with key local and national government and statutory services, including Public Health England, the Cabinet Office, the Chief Coroner’s Office, the National Medical Examiner, and other stakeholders in the bereavement sector. Our aim is to ensure that the requirements of Muslim bereavement service providers and bereaved families are well represented and embedded in relevant policies and guidance documents wherever possible.

The pandemic has brought to light the challenges that we face. It has highlighted the need for support, education, training, and collaboration, as well as the importance of clear transparency. At NBC, we prioritise education and professional development as part of our core values. We have drafted national guidance for our members and provided training and regular bulletins to ensure that bereavement service providers were well-informed and equipped to deal with Covid-related deaths.

Our Annual Conference is a key calendar event where NBC is able to share the latest guidelines, invite leading individuals and organisations to share the latest update and for NBC to address some the key challenges and issues facing the sector.

The NBC is serviced by executives who are professional and well experienced in the sector and supported by a panel of scholars, and leading medics who offer guidance, advice, support and strategic direction to the team.

The executives are also our Regional Leads and work with the vast majority of funeral service providers and have a good understanding about local issues and challenges.

The NBC aims to be a one-stop-shop for Muslim bereavement service providers, offering information, training, and guidance. It also aims to serve as an information resource for bereaved families to find reputable and reliable providers in their local area.