Tam Rennie, who works for the local authority’s Cemeteries Service, collected the Rising Star Gold Award from the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) last week at their Scottish Fleet, Waste and Grounds Seminar in Aviemore.
The 55-year-old is the inspiration behind ‘Direct Funerals’, a Stirling Council initiative which eases the financial burden experienced by some families after the loss of a loved one.
Recent figures published by the Citizens Advice Bureau suggested that, of Scotland’s 55,000 funerals annually, 10 per cent of families struggle to pay the bill.
Direct Funerals aims to address that by having the Council assume and provide several responsibilities normally associated with funeral directors.
At a Full Council Meeting in December 2018, elected members gave their full backing to piloting the project and praised Tam for his work in making his idea a reality.
And now Tam has received wider recognition for his efforts after coming out on top in the Parks, Grounds and Street Scene Category at the APSE 2019 Awards, which celebrate the hard work and commitment of individuals within local authority services in Scotland.
Hopefully this recognition will raise awareness
Tam said: “I am extremely proud to have received the award, and I would like to thank everyone within the Cemeteries Services and across the Council who have helped me make this initiative a reality.
“My idea stemmed from speaking to some families who were struggling with the costs of a funeral, which causes further stress at an already difficult time.
“Direct Funerals reduces that financial burden on families but still allows them to give their loved ones a dignified send-off.
“It’s fantastic this pilot is up and running, and hopefully this recognition will raise awareness to families across Stirling that this service is available for them.”
The national average cost of a traditional funeral is £3,600, but the Direct Funerals offers an affordable and dignified alternative to families who already have access to a lair across Stirling.
It will cost £1,800 – a combination of the existing internment and lair fees - with Council staff taking on extra responsibility for liaising with the family of the bereaved, contacting a local funeral director, carrying the coffin and controlling the cortege, as well as handing out cords for the lowering of the coffin. All at no extra cost.
Families will be expected to provide their own transport to the cemetery, arrange floral tributes and organise the graveside service.
Proactive, creative and dedicated member of Stirling Council
Paul O’Brien, Chief Executive, APSE, said: “Funeral poverty is a very serious issue for many people across Scotland. Yet too often it is overlooked.
“To see someone like Tam – a proactive, creative and dedicated member of Stirling Council play an integral role in reducing the average funeral cost by half fills me with enormous confidence in the future of local government bereavement services.
“APSE takes pride in honouring Tam’s ingenuity and hard work – his Gold Award is richly deserved.”
Tam has worked for Stirling Council since 1994 and in the Cemeteries Service for the past 17 years. He developed his plan through a scheme called The Lens, which helps employees in in large organisations across the UK bring forward ideas.
The Cemeteries Service is monitoring and assessing the new initiative over the pilot period, which will guide its future delivery.
Picture details and background information
Picture details: Presenting Tam with his award are Louise Melville, Principal Advisor, APSE Scotland, and Marcus Machell, Parks, the APSE Grounds and Streets Sponsor representative, UK New Product Manager, Contenur UK.
APSE Scotland’s Fleet, Waste & Grounds awards provide an excellent opportunity for local authorities to put forward their most deserving individuals. Individuals nominated receive recognition for their innovative ideas and solutions to the current challenges facing our services and for contributing towards new ways of working within Scottish local authorities.