The British Institute of Embalmers
Welcome to the Official Website of the British Institute of Embalmers, the go-to resource and information hub for prospective and current embalming professionals.
Proudly Supporting Professional Embalmers since 1927
Founded in 1927, we are a membership organisation with a robust training and examination system. This means that all our members are trained to a high standard.
As an Institute, The British Institute of Embalmers provides many opportunities for our members to gain further education and knowledge with the aim to continually improve the art and science of embalming.
Joining The British Institute of Embalmers
On successful completion of the required theoretical and practical examinations, the award of membership may be made, upon application, to students considered suitable.
Membership may also be granted to candidates whose qualifications are considered compatible with the standards required. Other International members may hold direct membership.
Maria Stibbards
National President
Core Objectives of the British Institute of Embalmers
The British Institute of Embalmers was founded in 1927 by a group of 15 Funeral Directors who recognised the need for a separate organisation for the professional embalmer.
The ‘Memorandum of Association’ lists 19 Objectives for which the Institute was established. Many of these are legal statements concerning the activities in which the Institute may be concerned and, whilst vital for the correct functioning of the Institute, are not directly concerned with embalming itself.
Those, which give the clue to the purpose of the Institute, are as follows:-
Objective A
To support and protect the status, character and interests of persons professing or practising the art or science of embalming the dead.
Objective B
To promote the efficient tuition of persons seeking to study and practise the said art or science.
Objective C
To encourage, by providing lectures and tuition and by testing by examination or otherwise, and by awarding certificates, prizes and distinctions, and by instituting and establishing grants, rewards and other benefactions, the study and practice of improved methods:
(i) For preserving and disinfecting bodies of the dead;
(ii) For preventing or lessening the danger of such bodies propagating disease;
(iii) Of branches of knowledge having relation to the treatment, sanitation and disposal of such bodies.
Objective D
To consider all questions affecting the interests of persons engaged in embalming, sanitation, and disposal of the bodies of the dead, and to initiate and watch over, and, if thought desirable, to petition Parliament, or promote deputation’s in relation to any to any public measure affecting any matters aforesaid, and to promote improvements in the principles and administration of the law relating to the treatment and disposal of the bodies of the dead.
What is Embalming?
Embalming has a long-standing association with funeral service and has evolved over many years to become the modern, highly specialised service available today.
Though optional, embalming is a recommended service which provides a bespoke level of care for the deceased.
How do I know an embalmer is qualified?
All qualified members of the BIE will have the letters MBIE or FBIE after their name.
They will have a membership number and their membership can be checked with the International Office of the BIE.
Why should I have the deceased embalmed?
After a person dies the natural process of decomposition begins. This process, which is influenced by many factors, will continue even when the deceased is refrigerated.
Decomposition is associated with many undesirable characteristics such as physical changes and unpleasant odours. Embalming helps to prevent these changes, as it temporarily preserves the deceased until their funeral has taken place.
After death, it is common for the deceased to look different. This could be due to illness, medical intervention, dehydration, and processes linked to decomposition. Embalming can help restore the deceased to their former appearance, which is why a recent photograph is always helpful.
The Journey to becoming a Qualified B.I.E Embalmer
In order to become a member of the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) you, the applicant must successfully complete an approved training course recognised by the BIE and then apply for membership.
Training is provided by BIE accredited tutors who teach an approved syllabus and are accredited by the Institute. The tutors are not employed by the Institute and any fees, except those paid for examinations and membership, are paid directly to the tutor.
You will be required to sit an entrance test before the start of your course to ensure your suitability.
The People of The British Institute of Embalmers
The British Institute of Embalmers is overseen by an elected National Executive Committee and various sub-committees. You can find out more about these groups via the link below.
The membership itself is split up into 11 geographical Divisions, with members and students being assigned to the Division in which they live. They may, if they wish, elect to belong to another Division.
Members and Student Members may attend the General Meetings of their own, or any other Division if they are visiting that area at the time.