Public Health Funerals - Supplier Information Session

Public Health Funerals - Supplier Information and Support Session

1. Purpose

Ipswich Borough Council is inviting funeral directors and funeral service providers to attend a Supplier Information and Support Session relating to the forthcoming procurement of Public Health Funeral Services.

This supplier information and support session is intended to:

• Raise awareness of the forthcoming tender opportunity,
• Provide an overview of the Public Health Funeral Services requirements,
• Explain the procurement process and anticipated timetable (where possible),
• Support suppliers in understanding how to participate in the tender process,
• Provide an opportunity for suppliers to ask questions regarding the forthcoming procurement.

Attendance at the supplier information and support session does not form part of the tender evaluation process and is not a requirement for participation in the future procurement opportunity.

2. Background

Under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, Ipswich Borough Council has a statutory responsibility to arrange a dignified and respectful funeral where no other person is willing or able to make funeral arrangements.

The Council currently arranges approximately 20 to 30 Public Health Funerals each year.

Public Health Funerals are generally direct cremations unless:

• The deceased is known to belong to a faith that prohibits cremation; or
• The deceased has left written instructions requesting burial.

The anticipated contract period is expected to be:

• An initial term of 24 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months
• The estimated value of the contract is anticipated to be in the region of £80,000 over the maximum four-year term. This figure is provided for information only and does not constitute a commitment by the Council.

3. Nature of Requirement

The successful provider must be able to collect and convey the deceased to Ipswich Cemetery and Crematorium within a maximum journey time of 30 minutes under normal circumstances.

Suppliers should carefully consider this requirement, as compliance with the requirement will form a key part of the tender evaluation process.

The service is expected to include:

• Collection and transportation of deceased persons,
• Appropriate storage and care of the deceased,
• Completion of statutory documentation and liaison with relevant agencies,
• Provision of a suitable coffin for burial or cremation,
• Liaison with Ipswich Borough Council Bereavement Services,
• Attendance of suitably trained staff to facilitate burials and cremations,
• Delivery of all services with dignity, professionalism and respect.

4. Supplier Support Open Morning

Ipswich Borough Council will be hosting a supplier information and support session for local funeral directors and interested providers.

The session is intended to:

• Overview of Public Health Funeral Services
• Details of the Council's requirements/specifications
• Information about the proposed procurement process
• Guidance on participating in public sector opportunities
• An opportunity to ask questions regarding the service requirements and procurement process.

Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Time: 10:00am to 11:30am (90 minutes)

Venue: Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House Orwell Room, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2DE.

Parking arrangements: You will be able to park at the far rear of the car park behind Grafton House. Please drive through the barrier and continue straight ahead, passing the wooden fence. The Facilities Team is aware that this meeting is taking place and has approved these parking arrangements.

Suppliers wishing to attend the Supplier Information and Support Session must register their interest by 12 noon on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Registration requests should be submitted by email to procurement@ipswich.gov.uk and include the organisation name, attendee name(s), and a contact email address.

Next Steps

Following the Supplier Information and Support Session, the procurement opportunity will be formally advertised via the Suffolk Sourcing Portal. Suppliers interested in providing the service will be invited to submit a tender in accordance with the published procurement timetable and guidance.