Rowland Brothers International

Chief Coroner

2011-11-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke has decided that a single figure needs to be responsible for the coroner system, and will implement the office of the chief coroner.

Cremation applications

2011-11-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Guidance for families about inspecting medical certificates before a cremation.

http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/guidance/burials-and-coroners/cremations/cremation-applicants-guidance.pdf

Welsh government consultation

2011-11-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation paper for a new law which could increase the number of organs available for transplant. Read about the proposals at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15625285

Organ donor proposal

2011-10-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

A report from the Nuffield Council of Bioethics suggested that patients who donate their organs should have their funeral expenses paid for by the NHS. Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15242675

Final and Interim death certificates

2011-10-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

In England and Wales, a final death certificate is issued at the local Register Office if there is a medical certificate of death issued by either the doctor or HM Coroner. To find out who can register a death visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/WhatToDoAfterADeath/DG_10029642

If the Coroner opens an inquest to investigate how, when and where the person died, there will be an Interim death certificate, which may not show a medical cause of death. When the inquest is over, HM Coroner tells the Registrar to register the death. The final death certificate is then available.

Forensics and jewelry

2011-10-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

To help with disaster victim identification, a jewelry classification system has been researched by jewelry graduates. Visit http://mariamaclennandesignresearch.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Resomation and Promession

2011-08-31T01:48:00.000-07:00

Two alternative processes to burial and cremation. Read more about both by visiting http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14114555

Tell us once scheme

2011-08-22T01:35:00.000-07:00

A number of government offices need to be notifed when someone has passed away. Click on the link for information about the Tell us Once scheme which is offered by some local authorities in England and Wales http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_188740

Exhumation applications

2011-08-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Exhumation applications are processed by the MInistry of Justice. About 5 per cent of applications are for repatriation to an overseas destination. Sometimes a second license called a Bishops Faculty is also required. Read the MOJ list of FAQs at http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/exhuming-human-remains-faq.pdf

Recommendations from 7/7 inquest

2011-07-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to read an article by journalist Ross Lydall about the response to Lady Justice Hallet's recommendations

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23971228-agencies-fully-accept-lessons-of-77-inquest.do

Metropolitan police

2011-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Click on this link for Met Police advice to tourists in London http://www.met.police.uk/tourist/index.htm in six languages and this http://www.met.police.uk/contacts for information about reporting crime. For addresses of police stations in London Boroughs visit http://www.met.police.uk/local/

Victims Commissioner

2011-07-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

Victims Commissioner Louise Casey will publish her policy review into the support given to families bereaved by serious crime. To read her last press release, visit
http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/press-releases/victims-com/vcnewsrelease240611c.htm

Volcanic ash affects flights in South America

2011-07-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

A volcanic eruption in Chile affected flights in South America, causing disrupton as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13761795

FCO apostille

2011-06-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

From April 1, 2011 the Foreign Office Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes processes documents for the public by post only. For more information about the postal service, visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=PressS&id=553168982#

EU organ transplant standards

2011-06-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time, a formal regulatory framework will be developed for the donation and transplant of organs. The ultimate goal is to ensure common high quality and safe standards for the donation, procurement, transportation, traceability and follow up of donated organs for transplant across the EU. Visit http://www.hta.gov.uk/contentdisplay.cfm?widCall1=customWidgets.content_view_1&cit_id=973 for more information.

Consultation: Draft Charter for the Current Coroner Service

2011-05-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Launch of a consultation from May 19 to September 5, 2011. Visit http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations for more information. See page 30 of the consultation for a flow chart of the coroner's investigation process

7/7 inquest verdict

2011-05-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

To read Lady Justice Hallet's verdict and recommendations, visit

http://7julyinquests.independent.gov.uk/docs/orders/rule43-report.pdf

Budget airlines

2011-04-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

Low cost airlines have a fast turnaround which helps to keep their operating costs down. We usually cannot use these flights for coffin repatriation, but we 'll explore other affordable options.

Flight surcharges from the UK

2011-04-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

In addition to the rate for transportation, there are additional charges for fuel, customs and handling, and security. Repatriation estimates include these charges and any other surcharges applied by individual airlines. VAT is charged on flights to EU destinations from the UK.

HM Coroners Jury

2011-04-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

A coroner's jury is necessary in a limited number of inquest cases. The number of jurors is a minimum of seven and a maximum of eleven. The Coroners Act, 1988, sets out the categories where a coroner's jury is currently required, i.e. when a death occurs
(1) in prison;
(2) in police custody or as a result of police causing injury;
(3) which is reportable under separate legislation to a government department or officer or to the Health and Safety Executive;
(4) occurring in circumstances prejudicial to public health or safety.
Visit

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/ukpga_19880013_en_1#pb3-l1g8 for more information.

Death registration and certificates

2011-03-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

In England and Wales, the final death certificate is issued by a Registrar at the local Register Office. Each Registrar has their own Register which holds 300 entries. On the day of registration, certificates costs £3.50 each. For certificates obtained later, the price of the certificate increases. Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/bereavement_radio.dsb?pr=BDT to see who is eligible to register a death.

7/7 inquests at the Royal Courts of Justice

2011-03-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

309 witnesses have given evidence at the 7/7 inquests. Coroner Lady Justice Hallett is expected to deliver verdicts before April 20, when the Court rises for Easter. It's almost five months since the inquests started.

Search and rescue in Japan

2011-03-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

UK fire service search and rescue specialists from Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Greater Manchester, West Sussex, Kent, West Midlands, Mid West Wales, Hertfordshire and Cheshire are helping the rescue effort in Japan. Visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8378968/UK-search-and-rescue-team-heads-to-Japan.html to see a video of the team.

Metropolitan Police team in New Zealand

2011-03-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

A Metropolitan Police disaster victim identification team travelled to New Zealand to assist local teams following the earthquake. For more information, click on the link http://content.met.police.uk/News/Met-officers-arrive-in-New-Zealand/1260268585525/1257246741786

Queen's Award for Coroners Courts Support Service

2011-03-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

The CCSS received the Queen's Award for Charity, which recognises outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in their community. In the 110 Coroner's jurisdictions in England and Wales, CCSS is represented in Essex, North, South and East London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Surrey, and Berkshire with requests to open in Kent and Cambridgeshire in 2011. Volunteers help families at the inquest, guiding them through the process and assisting witnesses. For more information click on the link http://www.coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/

Road crash tragedies

2011-02-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

Helpline for people affected by road crashes: tel 0845 603 8570
Brake is a charity caring for people bereaved and injured by road crashes, and increasingly other causes of sudden death. For more information visit http://www.brake.org.uk/ or http://www.brake.org.uk/translations-advice-for-bereaved-families-and-friends-following-a-death-on-the-road-in-england-or-wales to download translations of their leaflet in Bengali, Polish, Turkish, Spanish, Swedish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Urdu. For help for bereaved children visit http://www.amyandtom.org/ For help following any sudden death visit http://www.suddendeath.org/

Help is at Hand

2010-11-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

A booklet to help mourners if someone has taken their own life
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_116064.pdf

Coroners Reform Update

2010-11-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Changes to plans for national leadership from a Chief Coroner

http://

www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/docs/coroner-reform-response-wms.pdf

Hand luggage security update

2010-11-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

Passengers intending to carry cremated remains on flights please check with the airline in advance to be sure that they will allow the urn in the passenger cabin. Carry the death certificate, cremation certificate, & contents declaration to prove the integrity of the package to customs and security officials. Observe additional country specific consular documentation and sealing requirements (RBI Helpline has these details). The urn will be security screened like all other hand luggage.

Inquest into London bombings

2010-11-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

Lady Justice Hallett is hearing the inquest into the London bombings. Click on the link for more information about the inquest http://7julyinquests.independent.gov.uk/

Medical repatriation

2010-10-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

International Medical Emergencies

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8481 7777

e-mail operations@healix.com

Victim Support

2010-10-25T03:59:00.000-07:00

Victim Support has a new logo. Visit their website and follow the prompts for information http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

2010-10-25T03:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.cica.gov.uk/
A government organisation that can pay compensation to people who have been physically or mentally injured because they were the blameless victim of a violent crime.

Gatwick Travelcare

2010-10-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

Travel-Care is an independent agency offering assistance to anyone at London Gatwick Airport who may have a problem or need help. Travel-Care can be found in The Village, South Terminal from 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 - 16:00 Saturday and Sunday.

Telephone: +44 (0)1293 504283

Interpol

2010-10-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.interpol.int/

Click on the link to visit the website

Plass data

2010-10-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

International DVI system developped in Denmark

http://www.plass.dk/

BMS CAT

2010-10-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Global disaster and damage restoration.

http://www.bmscat.com/

Air Accident Investigation

2010-10-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is part of the Department for Transport and is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK. Visit their website at
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/

Inquests nationwide

2010-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to visit these websites

http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/coroners.htm Ministry of Justice website
http://www.coronersociety.org.uk/ Coroners in England and Wales
http://www.coronersni.gov.uk/ Coroners Service for Northern Ireland
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/death/sudden-or-unexplained-death/coroners about the Coroner in the Republic of Ireland
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/12094440/4/ about the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland

Infections

2010-09-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to visit a guide from the Health and Safety Executive - go to pages 20 and 21 for charts of key infections and recommendations about embalming http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web01.pdf

Aquamation

2010-09-06T02:14:00.000-07:00

Aquamation is described as an eco friendly alternative to burial and cremation. It's offered at reportedly the world's first water cremation centre on the Gold Coast, Australia. Click on the link to read more http://www.ibtimes.com/contents/20100812/aquamation-alkaline-hydrolysis-cremation.htm

What are disbursements?

2010-09-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

Disbursements are payments made by a funeral director on behalf of the family for example:

the cemetery or crematorium charges; the Doctors' fees for cremation papers; the Minister's fee for conducting the funeral service; flowers; funeral announcements in the newspaper. These would all be listed as disbursements on the funeral director's account.

Cremation rules

2010-09-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

48 hours must elapse between the date when a cremation application is made to the crematorium and the date on which the cremation takes place. This is a legal requirement so the cause of death can be scrutinised. If the Coroner is involved, he issues the cremation papers free of charge. Otherwise, two doctors sign the papers. They both charge a fee.

Multi lingual helpline 020 8684 2324

2010-09-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Find the co ordinator who can help you:

Arabic - Karim

French - Nathalie and Karim

German - Judith

Italian - Fulvia

Polish - Marta

Portuguese - Helena

Russian - Victoria

Spanish - Helena

Deaths at sea

2010-07-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Registry of Shipping and Seamen in Cardiff is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency . They provide certified extracts of death for any person who has died on a UK registered vessel. For more informaton click on the link to visit their website http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-rss.htm

Support for bereaved parents

2010-07-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

SANDS is the Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society.

National Helpline 020 7436 5881 Web http://www.uk-sands.org/

Local groups throughout the UK, information service and publications

Missing persons

2010-07-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Multi lingual information to help families report a missing person
http://www.met.police.uk/missingpersons

Patient Advice and Liaison Service

2010-07-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hospitals have a PALS office to provide confidential advice and support to patients, families and carers. Local PALS offices can be located by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, or ask for directions at the hospital.

South London Business Awards

2010-05-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

From a range of 400 businesses, The South London Business Awards shortlisted Rowland Brothers International as finalists in three categories – Best Medium Sized Business, Best Business for Innovation, and Best Business for International Trade. At a Gala Dinner on May 19th, we were honoured and delighted to Win and receive the award for Best Medium Sized Business, and thrilled to be the Winners for South London Business of the Year. For more information about the awards please visit http://www.slbawards.co.uk/

Victim Support

2010-05-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Victim Support is an independent national charity for people affected by all crime. The London Homicide Team is the first phase of the new National Victims Service and is designed to support the relatives and friends of those bereaved by murder and manslaughter. The Team offers emotional support, practical help and information to those affected by these crimes. Victim Support’s new branding will be launched at the end of May.

For more news about the National Victims Service, visit http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/News/2010/01/Victim%20Support%20to%20deliver%20new%20National%20Victims%20Service

Charity Number: Company Number:

EXHUMATIONS

2010-04-16T01:19:00.000-07:00

Some families who move to another location, or to another country , decide that they would like their loved ones to be re interred near their new home. Anyone who wishes to exhume buried remains must apply to the Ministry of Justice for a license. Consent from all the next of kin is required, and if the deceased is buried in consecrated ground, the Church of England is also asked for their consent. This permission is called a Faculty. For more information please contact us on Tel: 020 8684 2324

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

2010-03-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

Ministry of Justice

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigates all deaths that occur among prisoners, immigration detainees , and the residents of probation hostels. Visit their website to find out more about what they do http://www.ppo.gov.uk/. There is also a short film on YouTube which explains their role: http://www.youtube.com/user/PPOmbudsman#p/u/0/De1_dv6UE68

BEREAVED FAMILIES

2010-02-26T04:51:00.000-08:00

Bereaved families sometimes ask for information about settling estate matters. We cannot give legal advice but click on the link for information from the Direct.gov.uk website which could be helpful. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/Preparation/DG_10029468

The Coroners’ Courts Support Service

2010-02-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

The Coroners’ Courts Support Service is a Registered Charity whose volunteers give emotional and practical support to families and other witnesses attending Inquests at Barnet, Croydon, Fulham, St Pancras, Southwark, Walthamstow and Westminster. The Service is now open in Amersham and Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, Chelmsford in Essex, Hatfield in Hertfordshire, Woking in Surrey and Windsor in Berkshire. http://www.coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/

The 7/7 inquests

2010-02-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

On February 22, BBC Radio News reported that the preliminary hearing of the inquest into the 52 people killed in the attacks on 7 July 2005 would go ahead this week. It has taken nearly five years to start the process because of court cases linked to the bombings. The inquest will cover the deaths of the four suicide bombers as well as those who died in the attack. Lady Justice Hallett has been appointed to conduct the inquest. Click on this link for more information about Lady Hallett’s appointment. http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications_media/media_releases/2009/3109.htm

Coroners Reform

2010-02-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

Latest Link added....Coroners and Justice bill which is now an act of Parliament

Coroners & Justice Update : http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2008-09/coronersandjustice.html

Airline Security Alert

2010-02-10T02:49:00.000-08:00

A local funeral director recently explained that an airline security official refused to allow a family to carry cremated remains on board the aircraft in a polycontainer. The airline regulations required the ashes to be properly packed in a secure, sealed container, accompanied by appropriate documentation.

Passengers must check with the airline in advance to confirm current security requirements. Do not assume that every airline will allow ashes to be carried as part of the passenger hand luggage, especially in the wake of recent airline security concerns.

To avoid damage or delay, transfer cremated remains to a simple sealed wooden urn, carry the original death, cremation and sealing certificates and consular documentation if necessary. Ashes travelling as manifested cargo should be placed in a zinc lined wooden urn, sealed and packed securely. Call the Helpline to see if consular documents are required for your destination. Families can call us for consular documentation advice Tel: 020 8684 2324

Histology, Microbiology, Toxicology

2009-11-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

When there is a sudden unexpected death, the Coroner arranges a post mortem to establish the medical cause of death. If the post mortem is inconclusive, the Coroner can authorise further tests (histology*, microbiology**, toxicology***) on organs or tissue samples. Unfortunately these tests may take several weeks. The Coroner’s Officer can provide information and explain the relevant procedures. To read the Coroners Amendment Rules 2005 and how they apply to further tests after a post mortem examination please visit :
http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050420.htm

*histology - study of miscroscopic changes in diseased tissue
**microbiology - study of disease causing micro organisms
***toxicology - study of the nature and effects of poisons (eg drugs,alcohol)

BREAKTHROUGH CANCER-BREAST CANCER

2009-10-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

From: left to right: Sue Ackerman (PinkMondays creator); Melanie Walkling Rowland Brothers Director and Breakthrough Cancer official

Thank you to all the generous people who donated to PinkMondays first fund raising event on Monday September 28th!! Cooking dinner for 30 friends raised a staggering £1045!!! Huge thanks to everyone for their contributions, especially Rowland Brothers International who match funded the donations.
Monday October 5th we launched Donate for a Doughnut Day. Colleagues at Rowland Brothers Croydon Office put their hands in their pockets and gave an amazing £50 in return for iced pink doughnuts.

INQUESTS

2009-10-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Bereavement away from home is always a tragedy. Devastating news and unfamiliar procedures are a distressing combination. If there is an inquest, it may be weeks or months before the final death certificate is available. Would you like to know more so you can explain what happens to your citizens ? Would you like to attend an inquest at a coroners court?

Email us if interested or leave a comment: info@rowlandbrothersinternational.co.uk

TIIC CHARITY GOLF DAY

2009-10-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

The Travel Insurance Industry Committee (TIIC), established in 2000, is a non-profit making ad hoc Group dedicated to organising conferences and networking events for the benefit of the Travel Insurance industry.

Following the tremendous success of last year’s event, the TIIC were pleased to invite Rowland Brothers to participate in the 4th Travel Insurance Industry Charity Golf Day and raise money for an excellent charitable cause in the process. This year, the support was given to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The venue took place on Wednesday 9th September, 2009 at Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club in Ticehurst near Tonbridge, Kent.

View Pictures of the Day!

New Diplomats Seminar

2009-09-29T03:01:00.001-07:00

ON Tuesday September 22, RBI participated in a Seminar for New Diplomats at the British Library. We hope that delegates had an interesting and rewarding day. Please check our links for helpful information, or contact us. Is our information pack helpful? We look forward to hearing from you.

Foreign Office Consular Death Registration Q and A

2009-09-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Q When a loved one dies in another country, is the death automatically recorded in the General Register Office in the UK ?
A No
Q Are death certificates issued for British Citizens abroad issued in English?

A Some countries issue an international death certificate which lists information in a number of languages including English. Many countries issue a certificate in the local language.
Q How would I obtain a British style certificate?
A You can apply to register the death with the nearest British embassy or consulate. If you live in the UK can apply for the registration through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.... Q Will the Foreign Office registration certificate include the cause of death?

A No
Q Are certificates from all countries accepted for consular registration?
A No - certificates from Australia Canada New Zealand Republic of Ireland South Africa and UK Overseas Territories are not accepted as registration standards in those countries are similar to those in the UK.
Q What documents are required for the registration?
A Proof of citizenship – passport or full birth certificate or naturalization certificate – and the overseas death certificate.
Q How much does it cost?
A The registration fee is currently £98 and each certificate costs £63
Q Is consular registration mandatory?
A No, but sometimes it is requested by financial institutions to help settle estate matters.
Q When can I get a copy of the certificate from the General Register Office?
A Wait one year after the registration took place, you can apply from March of the following year.

For more information visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/

DEVELOPING OUR BUSINESS !

2009-09-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

RBI LAUNCHES A NEW RESERVATION SERVICE

It is sometimes difficult to keep track of all that needs to be organised.

At RBI we are always looking for ways to help YOU our client.

We have researched and put in place a worldwide network of hotels, taxis and flights to assist bereaved families and friends.

Our rates are competitive

Our service is professional and reliable

All you need is our number: +44 20 8684 2324

General documentation required for repatriation

2009-09-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

These are the basic documents required for repatriation of human remains and human ashes. Depending on the country other documents maybe requested, depending on the receiving country's regulations. Regulations are constantly changing. Please contact us for further information. As the NAFD helpline we will be able to fully inform you and provide you with the latest information with regards to regulations, documentation and costs on Tel: +44(0) 2086842324

Human remains:

Death certificate
Freedom from infection
Out of England
Embalming certificate
Sealing certificate
Passport/ID card

Human Ashes:

Death certificate
Cremation certificate
Sealing certificate
Passport or ID card