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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


SP10183 Developing professional competence 1

Credits: 10
Level: Certificate
Academic Year
Assessment: CW 50%, EX 50%, OT 0%
Requisites:
This unit is only available to students on the Foundation Degree in Funeral Services.
Aims:
* To introduce students to the funeral services;
* To give students a working knowledge of the duties of a funeral director in the UK;
* To introduce students to basic legislation and paperwork required after a death in the UK;
* To introduce a number of core skills which will be developed in future units.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students will be able to:
* Describe the role of the funeral director and other funeral services in the UK;
* Describe the responsibilities of the employer and employee and be aware of health, safety and welfare at work legislation;
* Describe responsibilities surrounding public health, regulations and restrictions;
* Communicate on a basic level with colleagues and members of the public;
* Describe what is involved in making funeral arrangements including legal paperwork;
* Carry out simple banking procedures such as invoicing, delivery notes, credit notes, receipts etc.
* Display knowledge of the function of banks and building societies, their products and services in relation to the industry;
* Inform clients about other external agencies which impact upon them after a death including bereavement services;
* Describe the advantages, disadvantages and acceptable methods of advertising.
Skills:

* To think creatively and analytically;
* To gather information from a number of different sources and select the appropriate and relevant information for the task;
* To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding;
* Effective communication;
* Basic finance and numeracy;
* Ability to identify theory in relation to work based practice.
Content:
Students are introduced to a number of key areas which are essential for them to be able to work in the funeral industry at any level.
* The Funeral Director - role in the UK
* Introduction to the funeral services
* Health, Safety and welfare at work
* Public health - responsibilities and regulations
* Basic communication
* Office practices - forms, payroll, finance and basic registration
* External agencies
* The banking system - credit and legislation
* Insurance
* Market research and advertising
* Bereavement care.