The Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare has invested in its colleagues by developing a pioneering customer service range of funeral specific NVQ qualifications.

Midcounties Funeralcare employees have been given the opportunity to expand on valuable industry skills and expertise by choosing from an array of units, which are the first of their kind.

Over 35 employees have embarked on induction courses for the customer services NVQ programme. In the last year alone, 16 employees undertook VQ courses and achieved either an advanced certificate in funeral services, or an advanced diploma in funeral arranging and administration.

Two members of staff are also currently being put through the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in funeral directing with a third taking their examination in March this year.

Simon Fisher, Group General Manager at Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare said:  "We are keen for all our colleagues to receive the support and training they need for a rewarding career which will help them to grow and develop.

"Nowhere is this more vital than with Midcounties Co-operative. It allows us to ensure that we provide a caring and professional service for families in the local community, whilst investing in the future of our colleagues."

He added: "We believe that by offering training initiatives and support in such a specialised field, means that they will continue to have the capabilities to ensure that this is the case."

Employing over 357 members of staff, The Midcounties Co-operative Funeral Group is the largest Funeral Director in the region and carries out more than 8,000 funerals a year across the group.

Midcounties are celebrating after being ranked 24th in The Sunday Times top 100 best companies to work for. The annual award acknowledges businesses from across the country for their commitment to creating the best possible working environment.

Among the qualities that won over the judges was the importance Midcounties places on qualifications and training and that it recognises investing in the future is a key objective for the business and its growth.

Since 2008 the Society has paid for more than 700 employees to undertake National Vocational Qualification training, with managers offered opportunities to develop their careers and graduate vacancies available throughout the business.

The Midcounties Co-operative has trading outlets stretching to Oxfordshire Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Shropshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire and surrounding counties.

The Society's trading groups are food retail, funeral, travel, pharmacy, childcare nurseries, childcare vouchers and Co-operative IT.

The Midcounties Co-operative is the second largest independent co-operative society in the UK and is a £790m business with more than 450 branches, 8,500 employees and 430,000 members.                         

Our aim is - To be a successful consumer co-operative working towards creating a better, fairer world, and to enhance the lives of our colleagues, members, customers, and the communities we serve.