It has come to our attention here at GFG Towers that some particularly bad practice is taking place on social media, compromising the integrity of funeral celebrancy as a profession.
Whilst recognising that funeral celebrancy can be lonely work and there is a real need for support from colleagues, it’s suggested that anyone discussing their work online in peer-support groups is aware of the following:
Facebook groups, even if closed, are not private. Don’t share anything in a Facebook group that you wouldn’t want to appear on the front page of a national newspaper. Posts can easily be replicated and shared outside of the group.
Never breach client confidentiality. Be wary of discussing situations in anything but the vaguest of terms. No identifying information should ever be shared.
Never reveal the identities of people attending funerals. Respect mourners’ right to privacy, no matter who they are.
Be mindful of the advice you’re given by peers.
Whilst fully supporting colleagues in sharing their strength, hope and experience online, please exercise caution, discretion and professionalism at all times.
Well said. I have visited several celebrant groups and the level of discoirse is very disappointing and many appear to have scant regard for privacy and Confidentiality. Here at the UK Society of Celebrants we do indeed have a closed peer support group and our posting rules address the concerns you have – in fact they go even further than you suggested. So, you can rest assured that at least one large Celebrant Group do it properly. J
Thanks so much for your comment James.
Would you be willing to post your group’s guidelines? It may help educate others.
Hi Louise, happy to oblige. The post will likely come from one of our Groups Admin.
Couldn’t agree more. Well said too.
I am part of a celebrant support group on Facebook which now has members all over the world. I can honestly say I have never seen anything that would breach confidentiality of any kind. Indeed – we share ideas, experience and advice. We compare the differences between countries, between different parts of the country and even different areas in a county but we are mainly supportive of each other and a comforting voice when needed. Whilst there may friendships that have arisen as a result of this group – for most we are simply a name and a photograph, in… Read more »
This is why it is so important in our unregulated profession that we all work to be the professional celebrant. I am proud of my role and exercise utmost discretion. I have not seen poor practice such as this. Civil Ceremonies straining and Institute of Funeral Celebrants have a clear code of conduct and oversee this through client contact too.
There is good and bad practice in all professions. Let’s continue to model the excellence we want to be part of. Thanks for highlighting this.
I’ve recently had a very unsatisfactory experience not only of a poorly delivered funeral but a dismissive and defensive response both from the celebrant and the CEO of the organisation she belongs to; I hadn’t even considered that they might be discussing this online!