Just call me Madam Vice President. No need to courtesy 😉😆. Joking aside, I am absolutely delighted to tell you all that I am now representing the Association of Independent Celebrants as their Vice President, (Oct 24-25) which means that the following year I will have the honour of being their President.
This year I am privileged to be supporting our new president, Brian Bull, who officially took on the role from Jeff Heaton at our AGM and conference last weekend (12th October). Also part of our “Vice Squad” is the magnificent, award winning and now, second vice Rebecca Boothroyd (AKA The Yorkshire Civil Celebrant).
I cannot believe I’m the Vice President of The association of Independent Celebrants…
This is a big deal for me.
The Association of Independent Celebrants is currently the only registered Trade Association for Independent Celebrants across the UK, It currently has 650 members. It is a very special organisation providing community, quality, support, guidance, insurance, accountability and continued personal development to all members.
I joined the AOIC in 2019, as soon as I qualified as a Funeral Celebrant. Then became Regional Representative to the members based in Wales (there are currently 35 of us).
As the Association continues to grow it continues to evolve to better support the industry, this year they are extending the role of the Regional Reps to provide support and feed back to the Board of Directors which has been increased to 7 , all of whom are or have been members and Independent Celebrants. One of the founding members of the AOIC, Phil Spicksley is currently our Interim CEO, overseeing the implementation of all the changes and helping recruit a suitable CEO who can help carry the organisation forward and continue its growth and evolution alongside the industries and individuals in supports and represents.
What does being VP mean?
As Vice President I will take a more proactive role in representing the association at events with our kindred association, The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), and other associations in the funeral industry: the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF); the Funeral Suppliers Association (FSA) and the British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD).
I’ll also help represent the association within the wedding sector, as the AOIC is on the executive committee of the Wedding Celebrancy Commission (WCC), and works closely with Guides for Brides.
The Association’s objective is to provide its members with the support and resources they need in order to create truly special ceremonies for every one of their clients. It also lobby’s for the industry and works closely with all its partner associations. I cannot wait to be part of the Associations future!
Read more about my credentials here
