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Trends, Training and Legislative Updates
As local authority bereavement services navigate increasing financial, social and sustainability pressures, our latest State of the Market Report explores the key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the cemeteries and crematoria sector.
Recent changes to Scottish burial legislation mean that rights of burial are now granted for a limited period. Stay up to date with the latest legal requirements and their practical implications by enrolling in our Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 training course. APSE Cemeteries and Crematoria Network will be holding a dedicated roundtable in the coming months to discuss the legislation.
APSE recently welcomed local councils to the 2026 Cemeteries and Crematoria Seminar in Stoke-on-Trent, bringing together experts, exhibitors and suppliers from across the sector to share insights, discuss emerging challenges and explore innovative approaches to bereavement services.
We will also be celebrating the finalists of the Cemeteries and Crematoria category at our Annual Service Awards in September.
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PlotBox is the UK’s leading bereavement services management software platform designed for Council and Local Authority cemetery and crematorium operators.
Your essential functions integrated into a single, cloud-based system, accessible from anywhere at any time - for increased efficiencies, greater inventory intelligence, better data protection and assured compliance.
Everything you need in one place, simplifying tasks, streamlining processes and enhancing your customer service.
For more, visit: www.plotbox.com
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📝 BRIEFINGS, POLICY AND RESEARCH
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Reporting Back on the 2026 Cemeteries and Crematoria Seminar
On Thursday 30 April, APSE welcomed local councils from across the UK to our Cemeteries and Crematoria Semnar in Stoke-on-Trent.
The seminar explored the delivery of local authority bereavement services and examined examples of innovation in service delivery, the legal environment and the challenges ahead
Read our briefing here
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Examining the State of Local Authority Bereavement Services Across the UK
APSE’s Cemeteries and Crematoria State of the Market 2026 Report examines the landscape of local authority bereavement services across the UK.
The report explores the challenges, trends and opportunities facing the sector, with insights from local authorities across the UK.
Read our briefing here
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Unlocking Highgate Cemetery: Conserving a Historic Landscape for the Future
Kate White, Project Director at Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, outlines the transformative work being carried out to preserve and protect the historic burial ground. The project will be carried out over a 25-year period, with the aim to care for the cemetery as a living landscape which is constantly evolving.
Read the full story here
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Derry City and Strabane District Council announces new cemetery
Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced that the new municipal cemetery at Mullenan Road is now fully operational and open for burials. The site will become the primary burial site serving the Derry City, with 20 years of capacity and scope for future expansion.
Read the full story here
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Walsall Council: From hidden service to sector leader
Walsall Council’s Bereavement Services has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years, culminating in winning Best Service Team: Cemetery and Crematorium Service at the APSE Service Awards 2026.
Read the full story here
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Flintshire’s first Columbaria installed at cemetery
Flintshire County Council has announced the installation of the county’s first columbaria at Buckley Cemetery. Families in Flintshire now have access to a new above-ground memorial option to remember their loved ones.
Read the full story here
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Redditch Borough Council set to offer pet cremations
Redditch Borough Council is set to introduce a new pet cremation service at Abbey Crematorium. The service is expected to open in Autumn, with capacity for up to 35 pet cremations available per week.
Read the full story here
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£5 Million investment set to transform Preston Cemetery and Crematorium
Preston City Council has announced a major £5 million investment to upgrade and expand Preston Cemetery and Crematorium, securing the future of bereavement services for the city and ensuring modern, dignified facilities for residents, for decades to come.
Read the full story here
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Gloucester crematorium goes green
Gloucester City Council has announced plans to transform Coney Hill Crematorium, the city council’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The council will use 100% green gas from agricultural biomethane to power the crematorium, significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Read the full story here
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Legal and Practical Management of Cemeteries (ICCM)
Tuesday 4 August and Wednesday 5th August, 9:30 - 12:30
Book your place here
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Understanding Bereavement
Services (ICCM)
Tuesday 13 October and Wednesday
14 October - 9:30 - 12:30
Book your place here
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📊 DATA INSIGHTS WITH PERFORMANCE NETWORKS
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Digitise your memorial inspections with the Performance Networks MIST App
Looking for a smarter, more efficient way to manage memorial safety inspections? APSE's Memorial Inspection Safety Tool (MIST) App enables cemetery teams to carry out inspections digitally using a smartphone or tablet, capturing inspection results, photographs, GPS location, and site notes in real time.
This reduces paperwork, improves data accuracy, and provides a clear audit trail to support compliance and service management.
Sign up to the app here
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Join the full Cemetery and Crematorium Services Module
Joining the full Cemetery and Crematorium Services module gives members access to a wide range of performance management tools, including benchmarking against other authorities, detailed performance reports, the APSE Information Hub, networking opportunities, and the sharing of good practice across the sector.
By combining digital inspection data with national benchmarking, members can identify trends, demonstrate performance, and support continuous service improvement.
Explore how Performance Networks can help your service here
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⚙️ CONSULTANCY AND INTERIM MANAGMENT SUPPORT
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Need consultancy support or an interim manager for your Bereavement Services? APSE Solutions can help.
Whether you need short-term management cover or expert strategic advice, APSE Solutions provides experienced support tailored to your Bereavement Services.
Our expertise includes:
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Interim crematoria and cemetery management cover
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Feasibility studies
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Planning and project support
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Service set-up and operational advice
Whatever stage your service is at, our experienced associates can provide practical and professional support.
Find out more about our Solutions service here
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Network Queries are a resource for APSE members, allowing officers and councillors the opportunity to ask any question to APSE’s network.
This service gives our members access to the experience, knowledge and expertise of colleagues from over 300 member councils across the UK.
As a member organisation, officers and councillors from APSE have access to this service.
Do you have a question which you would like to ask the network?
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APSE is a member of APSE and APSE Energy and so you have full access to the benefits of both memberships. Find out more by visiting the APSE Website and the APSE Energy Web Pages.
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You have expressed interest in the below service areas.
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Armed Forces and Veterans Network
Building Cleaning
Catering
Cemeteries and Crematoria
Social Value, Procurement and Commercialisation
Environmental Health
Health and Social Care
Housing & Building Maintenance
Local Government Reorganisation
Parks & Grounds Maintenance
Waste & Recycling
Renewables & Climate Change
Roads & Highways
Sports & Leisure
Transport & Vehicle Maintenance
Workforce Matters
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If you would like to add to or amend your areas of interest you can do so using the link below.
Service Area Update Form
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APSE’s suite of service area networks now includes:
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Subscribe to APSE Communications
If you have been forwarded this email by a colleague and would like to subscribe to APSE communications yourself, please complete the Online Contact Form.
If you have any colleagues that would benefit from APSE communications, you can Forward the Online Contact Form.
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Upcoming APSE Seminars
You can view the upcoming suite of APSE Seminars by clicking on the link below.
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Colleagues from APSE can attend these Seminars at the Member Rate.
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