Equalities and Diversity
Bereavement Services aim to provide a quality and sensitive service in accordance with the needs and beliefs of the bereaved and visitors to our cemeteries and crematoria in an efficient and dignified manner.
Our service users can expect a caring service delivered without discrimination or unfairness. The cemetery and crematoria sites are strategically placed throughout the city and serve all areas of the community.
Facilities Available
Each of the cemeteries and crematoria offices have disabled access and the sites have toilet facilities for the disabled. A number of our sites have marked disabled car parking bays. Upon request grave plots may be available near to a path - please contact the relevant site office for further information.
The cemetery and crematoria chapels have an induction loop system installed and hymn books in braille are available. Wheelchairs are also available upon request. Religious or non religious services may be held in the chapels. Service information, service user questionnaires and memorialisation packs are available in various languages upon request.
To reflect the diverse ethnic and religious communities within the City of Birmingham burial sections have been set apart for individual religious groups at a number of our cemeteries including a burial section for the Chinese community at Quinton Cemetery, sections for the Orthodox churches at Sutton Newhall Cemetery and Muslim sections at Handsworth, Sutton Newhall and Kings Norton Cemetery.
Areas are also set aside for Church of England, Roman Catholic and Free Church faiths. Please click on the link to each cemetery for further information.
We have recently opened Primrose Woodland Burial Glade at Kings Norton Cemetery to facilitate the burial requirements of those who do not whish a traditional burial - preferring a more natural approach. There is also a facility to scatter cremated remains on one of four seasonal lawns in the glade. Please click on the link for more information.
Equality Impact Assessments
The Environment and Culture Directorate of which Bereavement Services is a part assesses the equality impacts of it's policies, programmes, projects and services in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission and the City Council policies and procedures.
A schedule of the equality impact assessments completed by Bereavement Services within the year 2011/12 is available below.
Attached below are the Bereavement Services Consultation Strategy document showing various groups with whom the Service area consults and a service user questionnaire undertaken with members of the Muslim Community.
Copyright:Birmingham City Council