At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate support in bereavement services and manage essential records.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Bedford Borough Council, committed to community care.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop communication skills, and contribute to meaningful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in clerical tasks and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, organised and proactive individual to work as part of the Bereavement Service team, to provide a compassionate and efficient Bereavement Service in a professional manner.
Requirements
- Maintaining accurate cemetery and crematorium records.
- Recording bookings for burials and cremations, administering paperwork for the successful completion of all cemetery and crematorium processes and memorial purchases.
- Using database system to record and retrieve information, in addition to other basic office packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Identifying and assisting in the location of grave plots to cemetery stakeholders or in preparation of upcoming burials.
- Processing payments and maintaining financial records.
- Experience in headstone safety testing would be an advantage.
- Experience of operating a chapel for funeral services including the music system and visual tributes would be ideal but full training will be given.
Daily Duties
- To undertake routine clerical tasks such as filing, photocopying, receiving and dispatching mail, answering phones and responding to emails.
- To take bookings from funeral directors ensuring all relevant paperwork is completed to the specified standards.
- Undertaking transfers of grave ownership and associated paperwork as required.
The successful candidate will obtain excellent written and verbal communication skills.
How to Apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Closing Date: 30th January 2026
Interview Date(s): 9th & 11th February 2026
Please note: The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of: a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving) a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship
Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Bereavement Officer in England employer: Bedford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Bedford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Bereavement Service team. Understanding their values and how they operate can help you connect better during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your compassion! In this role, empathy is key. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and support, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to the role, like handling difficult conversations or managing records. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! When you're ready to take the plunge, make sure to apply directly through our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is customised for the Bereavement Officer role. Highlight your experience with cemetery and crematorium records, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our compassionate team!
Be Clear and Concise: When answering the application questions, keep your responses straightforward. Use clear language to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills align with our needs. We appreciate brevity and clarity!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, make sure your application reflects this. Use proper grammar and structure in your CV and answers. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with our stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Just click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’ and follow the prompts. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Bereavement Officer. Brush up on maintaining cemetery and crematorium records, processing payments, and using database systems. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also prepared for it.
✨Show Compassion
This role requires a compassionate approach. Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve demonstrated empathy and support, especially in sensitive situations. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend or family member to build confidence.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand more about the team and the organisation. Consider asking about their approach to bereavement services or how they support their staff.