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- Tasks: Support families through the funeral process with compassion and professionalism.
- Company: Join Dignity, a trusted name in end-of-life care across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-33 days annual leave, full training, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community during difficult times.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring empathy and a Full UK Driving Licence.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and out-of-hours support required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We’re looking for compassionate and reliable individuals to join our dedicated London team as Funeral Service Operatives. Operating from one of our 3 care centres across South London — Kingston upon Thames, Orpington and Camberwell — this role is vital in delivering meaningful services and providing support to families at a time when they need it most.
Why This Role Matters
At Dignity, we believe every farewell should be handled with compassion and care. As a Funeral Service Operative in London, you will play a key part in helping families feel supported, reassured, and respected throughout the entire funeral process.
The Role
You’ll support every stage of the funeral process — from preparing vehicles and venues to assisting with ceremonial duties and family interactions. This is a physically active, hands-on role that requires empathy, reliability, and a calm, respectful presence. As a representative of both local brands and the wider Dignity Group, you’ll help maintain our trusted presence in the community.
Shift Patterns
This role is based on a rotating shift pattern across our London centres, which includes:
- 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- 2:00 PM – 00.00 AM
Flexibility is essential, as the role will involve out-of-hours support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive and operate specialist vehicles (including hearses and limousines)
- Set up venues and carry out ceremonial duties, including coffin bearing
- Maintain funeral vehicles and equipment to high standards
- Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families
- Bring the deceased into our care from the place of death — including private homes, hospitals, hospices, or public spaces — under varying circumstances
- Prepare the deceased (washing, dressing, presentation) in accordance with family, religious, or cultural wishes
- Support with chapel visits and interactions with families in a calm and respectful manner
- Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and composure under pressure
- Has a respectful, caring approach when supporting both colleagues and families
- Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying
- Takes pride in presenting themselves in a professional and dignified manner
- Is comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions
- Is reliable, flexible, and able to work outside standard hours when needed
- Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
No previous funeral experience is necessary — full training, uniform, and support will be provided.
What We Offer
- A fulfilling and meaningful role supporting families in your community
- Full training and personal development opportunities
- 30 – 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Uniform and all necessary equipment provided
- Company pension and life assurance
- Access to an employee assistance programme for wellbeing support
- Annual company bonus
We wouldn’t be able to provide this essential service without the dedication of our people. If you’d like to join a compassionate team committed to delivering the highest standards of care — we’d love to hear from you.
What are the next steps?
To join us in this role, simply hit the 'apply' button to submit your application and a member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch!
About Us
At Dignity, we’re here for families when it matters most. With compassion, professionalism, and integrity at the heart of everything we do, we take pride in supporting people through one of life’s most difficult moments. Every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and care to those who need us.
With over 500 funeral homes across the UK, Dignity Funerals is a trusted presence in local communities, operating under respected and well-known local names. We’re proud to offer a truly personal and attentive service — one that’s tailored to the individual needs and wishes of every family we support.
We’re also part of the wider Dignity Group, a growing organisation with the unique ability to support every aspect of end-of-life planning and care.
FCA Statement
Please note that this role is subject to meeting regulatory requirements. As an FCA-regulated organisation, we are committed to adopting the highest standards and we do this by employing individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and integrity to protect both the company and our clients.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Our Vision is to connect with our clients, colleagues, company and communities based on our principles whilst celebrating our differences.
Funeral Service Operative employer: Dignity
Contact Detail:
Dignity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funeral service industry and the specific duties of a Funeral Service Operative. Understanding the role's responsibilities will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and compassion in any interactions you have with the company, whether it's during a phone call or in person. Showing that you genuinely care about supporting families in their time of need is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns and out-of-hours support. Highlighting your willingness to adapt to the needs of the role will show that you're committed and reliable.
✨Tip Number 4
If possible, connect with current or former employees of Dignity to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and qualities required for a Funeral Service Operative, such as empathy, reliability, and professionalism.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any experience in customer service or roles requiring compassion and care, even if it's not directly related to funerals.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your understanding of the role and your motivation for applying. Share why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to supporting families during difficult times.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this line of work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
As a Funeral Service Operative, demonstrating empathy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you handle sensitive situations and support families during difficult times. Share any personal experiences that highlight your compassionate nature.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, such as operating vehicles and assisting with ceremonial duties. Be ready to explain how your skills align with these tasks and why you are suited for this physically demanding position.
✨Exhibit Professionalism
Present yourself in a professional manner during the interview. This includes dressing appropriately and maintaining a calm demeanour. Discuss how you take pride in your appearance and conduct, especially when representing the company in the community.
✨Be Flexible and Reliable
Highlight your flexibility regarding shift patterns and out-of-hours support. Employers value reliability, so be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated dependability in previous roles or situations.
