Working together: Our code of conduct
Last updated: 6 November 2026
Why we're sharing this
Our colleagues support bereaved families, funeral directors, venues and celebrants, often at the most sensitive moments in people's lives. We want everyone involved, including our own people, to feel respected and safe.
This code is in line with the Employment Rights Act 2025, which updates the Equality Act 2010. Since 30 October 2026, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent their staff being harassed, including by third parties such as customers, families, event attendees and members of the public (Acas guidance on the law change).
This builds on the existing duty, in place since October 2024, for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. Sharing this code, alongside staff training, guidance and a clear way to raise concerns, is part of how we meet these duties.
Who it's for
This code applies to everyone involved in our work, however and wherever we meet:
our own colleagues, in every team and at every level
families and friends we support, and members of the public
customers and professional users, such as funeral directors, crematoria, venues and celebrants
associations, event organisers, exhibitors and delegates
suppliers, contractors and event providers
That includes our offices, your premises, services, events and the social occasions around them, and conversations by phone, email or online.
Our commitment
The same standards apply to our own teams. Everyone at Obitus is expected to follow this code in how they treat families, customers, partners, members of the public and each other. We support our colleagues to do this through training and guidance, and we act on it if any of our people fall short.
How we'd like to work together
We ask everyone, including our own colleagues, to:
be courteous and considerate, including on difficult days
talk things through calmly when something hasn't gone to plan, so it can be put right
respect personal space and boundaries
keep conversations respectful, in person and online
follow the guidelines of any venue, service or event we're at
We understand that grief and stress can affect how people feel and respond. Our colleagues will always try to be patient and understanding, and we ask for the same patience in return.
Behaviour that crosses the line
Most of the time none of this needs saying. To be clear, though, we don't accept behaviour from anyone, including our own colleagues, that leaves someone feeling unsafe, intimidated or humiliated. This includes:
unwanted physical contact, or sexual comments, jokes or advances
remarks or jokes about someone's age, disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics
shouting, swearing, insults or threats
aggressive or intimidating behaviour, in person or online
unwanted contact through personal phone numbers or social media
This applies at services, events and social occasions too, including dinners and drinks receptions.
If something goes wrong
If anyone feels uncomfortable, they may politely bring a conversation, call or meeting to a close, or ask a colleague to step in. Where it helps, we'll talk about what happened and how to move forward.
If one of our own colleagues falls short of this code, we'll look into it and act through our internal processes.
In the rare cases where behaviour towards our colleagues is serious or continues, we may need to change how we work with you, involve the event organiser or venue, or review our arrangements.
Talking to us
If you ever have a concern, whether about how one of our colleagues has treated you or something you've seen, we'd like to hear from you. Contact our People team at people@obitus.com, and we'll treat what you tell us in confidence.
Thank you for helping make sure everyone involved in our work is treated with respect.