This programme was written and is taught by Jane Morrell, Simon Smith and Basira Ward Davies, funeral directors and celebrants. Jane and Simon have their own company in Totnes, and authors of We Need To Talk About The Funeral. Basira is a funeral director and celebrant in Frome.

The Funeral Celebrant’ Diploma programme covers all aspects of being a funeral celebrant and allows the participants to delve deeply into the issues around death, funerals and our own feelings around mortality. But don’t worry, there’s a lightness of touch too.

The Diploma course recognises the wonderful diversity of spiritual beliefs, recognising that most people are unaffiliated to a religion but still believe in something. We see beauty, of words, music and the setting, to be a vital element of a funeral – an expression of love and something transcendent and transformative.

The programme begins with three days together, followed by a gap of three months in which some of the portfolio of assignments is completed, before returning for the final two days. You then have a further 3 months to complete assignments. The total course time is around 250 hours spread over this 6 month period. We believe taking this extra time is vital to building a depth of confidence and assurance. We provide you with a 130 page manual, feedback on assignments and supervision for your first five funerals. On successful completion of the course and the assignments you receive the Green Fuse Funeral Celebrant’s Diploma accreditation certificate and the accreditation body’s (APT) certification. Each course is for a maximum of 8 participants.

The course covers all the information you need to know and includes visiting funeral venues, both traditional and less conventional. We also have an exciting team to bring you vital skills practice, including one-to-one work on reading and presentation skills with actor Pete Joscelyne, voice modes and leading singing with musician and singer Basira Ward.

The training programme is thorough, practical, well-structured and inspiring.

1. History and modern context of funerals
   A brief history of funerals
   The impact of current social and cultural trends on funerals
   Re-visioning funeral ceremonies
   What and who is a funeral for?
2. Creating Ritual Theatre
   What makes a good funeral?
   The importance of ritual space
   The ceremony as a means of transition
   How to create ritual
   Appreciating the importance of the place
   The roles of beauty and movement
   Orchestrating all the elements of the funeral.
3. Writing ceremonial scripts
   How to structure a funeral ceremony
   Preparing opening and closing words
   How to write a good eulogy or life story
   Reflecting the character and beliefs of the person who has died
   Choosing words and poetry
   Using poetic, elevated language and idiom
   Words for the committal to reflect individual beliefs
   Different types of funeral ceremonies for sudden, early and complicated deaths
4. Listening and communication – working with families
   Working with bereaved people
   Active listening skills and practice
   Keeping with the agenda of the family
   Working with families in conflict
   Semi-structured interviewing
   Devising a ceremony collaboratively with the family
5. Personal presentation skills
   Managing yourself and your emotions
   Creating a safe emotional space
   Developing personal presence and appropriate authority
   Speaking in public
   Leading singing (even if you ‘don’t’ sing!)
   Using your voice for different modes of expression
   Being a calm and reassuring presence
6. Business and marketing
   The business of being a funeral celebrant
   Using technology
   Knowing your USPs and your local market
   Building your local resources
   Liaising with other funeral professionals
   How to operate as an independent funeral celebrant, including brochures, marketing and charging.
   Joining the green fuse guild and celebrants’ forum.