Jeremy Field, Managing Director of CPJ Field, the UK’s oldest funeral directors, was awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List. Jeremy received his OBE last week by non-other than King Charles III himself.
The award was made in recognition of the support and advice that he has given to the funeral sector over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the beneficial impact on bereaved families as they have sought to honour the lives of loved ones.
Commenting on his experience, Jeremy said: “I am incredibly proud and yet hugely humbled to have been singled out for this remarkable honour, and it was a privilege to be awarded by the new King at Buckingham Palace. To have been appointed OBE is beyond my wildest dreams and was certainly a long way from my thoughts in the darkest times of the pandemic. I am extremely fortunate to work in our family company leading a team of extraordinary people whose remarkable efforts 24/7 over the course of the pandemic have made a real difference to the lives of a huge number of people.
It is through the wisdom and knowledge they have shared with me that I’ve been able to make sure that the needs of funeral directors and bereaved families have been front of mind for decision makers throughout. I truly believe that it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants that I have achieved anything deserving of this great honour. I hope that all my family, friends and colleagues can share a little in this award as without you all none of it would ever have happened.”
C.P.J. Field is calling on Brits to support its #PaidLeaveToGrieve campaign – encouraging all UK employers to offer a flexible paid bereavement policy to its staff. There is currently no mandatory paid leave policy in the UK for bereaved workers, and C.P.J.
The #PaidLeaveToGrieve campaign wants UK workers to be supported in their time of need. The proposed bereavement policy allows all workers two weeks of flexible paid leave following the death of a close family member, spouse or partner, including pre-grief. The #PaidLeaveToGrieve petition campaigns for all political parties to include a commitment to work towards an official Bereavement Law as part of their 2024 manifestos.
C.P.J. Field is supporting UK employers by developing a downloadable employer pack featuring template policy wording and conversation guides.
To sign the #PaidLeaveToGrieve petition, visit the C.P.J. Field website: www.cpjfield.co.uk/PaidLeaveToGrieve
