Last week Shabana discussed her report ‘Raising standards, delivering dignity – A new model for Coroner and Bereavement Services in Birmingham’ with the Chief Coroner of England and Wales.

The report, launched in January 2020, made recommendations about how to improve Coroner and Bereavement Services in Birmingham.

Since the launch of the report Shabana has briefed Councillors on its recommendations, written to Birmingham’s Senior Coroner on its contents, and worked to ensure the Coronavirus Bill protected religious freedoms relating to burials.

Speaking after the call, Shabana said:

“I’m grateful to the Chief Coroner of England and Wales for giving time to discuss my report during this busy period.

“We agreed on many points regarding sharing capacity across Coroner areas, developing specialisms where there are shortages in areas such as pathology, and the need for transparency in processes when it comes to Bereavement Services.

“We also talked about the viability of a new ‘super-facility’ in Birmingham.

“I made it clear that I am taking a cooperative approach to move the service forward and make it fit for the future.

“It was a positive and encouraging conversation, and I look forward to seeing recommendations from my report considered in full by Birmingham City Council.”