The North East Surrey Crematorium Board met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss the operational report from the Surveyor, the Treasurer's financial update, and the annual review of risks. The Board also considered proposed amendments to its Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegations, and Financial Regulations.

Report of the Surveyor

The Surveyor's report provided an update on activities for the quarter ending August 2026. It noted that the crematorium's opening hours had been restored to their pre-pandemic timetable. The report highlighted that cremation numbers for the financial year 2025/26 were 1,730, exceeding the target of 1,700, with a target of 1,800 set for 2026/27. The Surveyor's findings indicated that the crematorium and grounds were in good repair, with no issues reported in emissions data. The report also detailed progress on several projects, including the installation of PV panels on the Building of Remembrance and the ongoing development of a new footpath connecting the main entrance to the chapels. The Surveyor's findings for the management of the crematorium for the period June to August 2026 were presented for approval.

Report of the Treasurer

The Treasurer's report covered several key financial areas. It provided an update on outstanding action points from previous meetings, including the progress on installing PV panels and ongoing discussions regarding staff wellbeing charges. The report also detailed the financial status of major works and projects, and presented the latest performance against the Management Agreement Annual Budget for 2026/27, indicating a forecast underspend. An update on the interim accounts for the current financial year was also included, highlighting variances in insurance costs and memorial sales, alongside an increase in investment income due to higher interest rates. The report recommended the creation of Deputy Surveyor and Deputy Treasurer posts to provide additional support, at an estimated annual cost of £8,000 to £10,000.

Annual Review of Risks

This report outlined the Board's approach to risk management, including a documented process for identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks. It defined risk appetite categories and confirmed the Board's current risk appetite as Minimal Risk. The report detailed the impact and likelihood grading system used to assess risks and presented the updated Risk Register. Key residual risks discussed included collisions involving vehicles, a reduction in demand for crematorium services, and the unavailability of chief officers. Controls and mitigating actions for each identified risk were detailed, with proposed actions for certain risks, such as the creation of Deputy roles for the Surveyor and Treasurer.

Review of Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegations, and Financial Regulations

This report presented proposed amendments to the Board's governance documents following an annual review. The Clerk proposed changes to Standing Order 23 concerning access to information, aiming to clarify when information would be made available to the Board and outlining the public's rights to attend meetings and inspect documents. No changes were proposed to the Scheme of Delegations at this time. The Financial Regulations had been significantly strengthened in line with recommendations from the South West London Audit Partnership, with detailed procedures added for key financial control areas including procurement, contract management, asset management, banking, budgetary control, income and expenditure processes, and risk management. These revisions aimed to enhance consistency, transparency, and accountability.