Notifying colleagues of the death
It is important to ensure that people are informed about the death of their colleague in a timely, appropriate and sensitive way. Wherever possible, this should include key members of staff being told directly and consistently, rather than hearing the news via another way.
It is essential, however, to first understand the wishes of the deceased’s next of kin about what level of information should be shared with the wider team and ensure that this is honoured at all times.
Please ensure that you make your team members aware of the support that is in place and encourage them to access it if needed.
Careful consideration should be given to the appropriateness of colleagues sharing the news more widely and/or publically, for example on personal social media. This may need to be proactively discussed with the team, depending on the wishes of the next of kin.
Depending on the next of kin’s wishes, it may be appropriate to speak to the communications team about sharing this news more widely across the Trust. Options may include an article in the weekly Trust newsletter ‘In the Loop’ or an obituary in the Trust’s newspaper, UHB Connected.
In addition, a memorial book can be provided by the Trust, at no cost to your department. Please select the appropriate option on the death in service (tell us once) form – please see Step 3 – and a member of the communications team will be in contact with you.
Before any arrangements are made regarding organising a collection, flowers etc., please discuss what the next of kin’s wishes are with them. Likewise, understanding any funeral arrangements and the next of kin’s wishes around colleagues’ attendance. Line mangers and immediate colleagues of the deceased are actively encouraged to attend the funeral, if the next of kin is in agreement.
Please be aware that, where appropriate, a corporate card and gift may be sent directly to the next of kin from the Trust’s executive team. This would be in addition to any local arrangements that are made by the line manager and does not detract from any locally agreed arrangements.