Death - exhumations

Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains generally requires a Ministry of Justice licence. The licence is free and can be obtained by telephoning 020 7035 5530/5531.

Reasons

Exhumations occur for a number of reasons - these include:

• Movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery
• Repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family.
• Transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another
• Court orders requiring further forensic examination

Requirements

It is an offence to exhume any human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions. Funeral Directors can help in obtaining these.

• A licence must be obtained from the Ministry of Justice. Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions which have to be observed.
• If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission from the church must be obtained.
• An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health.
• Occasionally Cadaver Certificates are required in addition to Ministry of Justice Licences.

Decency and Safety

An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation and will supervise the event to ensure respect for the deceased person is maintained and that public health is protected.

The officer will also ensure that:

• The correct grave is opened
• The exhumation commences as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy
• The plot is screened as appropriate for privacy
• Health and safety of all workers is maintained e.g. protective clothing including masks and gloves, task lights and all other necessary equipment
• Everyone present shows due respect to the deceased person and to adjoining graves
• The nameplate on the casket corresponds to that on the licence.
• The Environmental Health Officer has approved the new casket
• All human remains and the pieces of casket are placed in the new casket
• The new casket is properly sealed
• The area of exhumation is properly disinfected
• Satisfactory arrangements are in place for the onward transmission of the remains

If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not proceed.

For further advice or assistance please contact the Bereavement Services Office at Guildford Crematorium.