ANBG Code of Conduct
2013
For members of The Association of Natural Burial Grounds
Foreword‘We, the Trustees of the Natural Death Centre Charity, are delighted to introduce this revised Code of Conduct
for members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, the professional body supporting the natural burialmovement.
Through membership of the Association and the resulting adherence to the Code, Associates will ensure that thepublic can have full confidence in the integrity of the provider and the quality of services offered by them.
The ANBG Code of Conduct 2013
In addition to complying with all relevant legislation, and specifically that concerned with planning, record
keeping, and the financial probity of directors and trustees, Association members undertake to adhere to thefollowing Code of Conduct:

1. Procedures - Association members will follow theguidance and recommended procedures contained in the
Ministry of Justice publication: Natural Burial Grounds Guidance for Operators 2009.
In particular, each burial ground will have clear publishedinformation on the following subjects and policies inorder for the public to make a proper and informed
decision before
proceeding:a) Description of the site (topography)b) Location (including directions and details of any public
transport links)c) Site Owner (including whether the site is freehold orleasehold, and length of lease if appropriate)d) Site Operator (including contact details)e) Type of plots available (including whether or not plots
may be purchased in advance)f) Burial Rights (including time limits)g) Gravedigging (including methods used and options forfamilies)h) Embalming (including details of exceptional
circumstances under which embalmed bodies may beaccepted)i) Memorials (including types and options available)

ANBG Code of Conductj) On site facilities (including car parking, shelter, rooms,chapels, toilets, mortuary facilities, what is and is notprovided)k) Funeral services (including options available for typesof service)l) Coffins / shrouds permitted (including types of materials
allowed in their construction)m) Details of the future of the site, its objectives,maintenance and management.
2. Environment
Association members will take all reasonable steps toconserve existing local wildlife, promote biodiversity andmanage their projects according to sound sustainable
and ecological principles. Members will also take allreasonable steps to identify and preserve archaeologicalremains.
3. Choice
Association members will not require that a funeral
director be used. (Guidance to the public on organising
funerals without using a funeral director is available fromthe Natural Death Centre).
4. Prices
Association members will provide fully itemised price

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lists for potential clients on request, and will also provide
these prices on the telephone or by e-mail on request.
5. Coffins and shrouds Association members will not require that a coffin
or casket be used - bodies will be accepted or burial
wrapped in a shroud or an alternative biodegradable
container or wrapping. Where a coffin is chosen,
members will encourage the use of environmentallyfriendly coffins and natural materials.
6. Toxic chemicals
Association members will only accept embalmed
bodies for burial in exceptional circumstances such as
repatriation.
7. Feedback - Association members will provide eachclient with the ANBG feedback form for return direct to
the NDC and ensure they are advised that any further
comments can be made directly to the Association of
Natural Burial Grounds either online, by phone or bypost.
8. Complaints handling
Association members will operate a Complaints Handlingprocedure of a kind acceptable to the Association. They
will advise clients of their right to complain, and theprocess for doing so.
9. Training
Association members will ensure that all staff areproperly trained and competent to do their work.
10. Solvency
Association members will ensure that their finances aremanaged appropriately at all times.
11. Advertising
Association members will promote their amenities andservices in a truthful and responsible manner.

13. Information
Association members will submit such information about
their activities and in such form as the NDC Board ofTrustees shall reasonably require.
14. Co-operation
Association members will co-operate with theAssociation, which reserves the right to check onmember’s compliance to the code at any time.
15. Integrity
Association members will act with integrity at all
times and avoid conflicts of interest and any actions orsituations inconsistent with professional operations.
16. Competence
Association members will carry out their work with due
skill, care and diligence and with proper regard to thestandards expected of them.

All Association members will make a copy of this Codeof Practice available to their clients, and will havecopies available for others on request.

This Code is not an exhaustive statement of theconduct expected of operators, but sets the minimum
standards that they must observe.
Failure to meet these standards should be brought tothe attention of the Association.
Not every shortcoming, nor failure to comply withthis Code, will necessarily give rise to disciplinary
proceedings, however, a failure to follow any guidanceassociated with the Code is a factor that will beconsidered should it be necessary to examine theconduct of a member.

12. Contingency Arrangements
Association members will have in place appropriatearrangements to cover the event of the operator’s deathor incapacity or other extended absences.

The Association of Natural Burial Grounds
Copyright © The Natural Death Centre Charity 2012 (Charity No. 1091396)
w: www.naturaldeath.org.uk e: contact@naturaldeath.org.uk t: 01962 712690
ANBG Code of Conduct

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