THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY POLICY FOR FUNERAL REQUESTS FOR VETERANS (July 2024)

A review of the current arrangements in Oxfordshire, the County Committee has approved  that the following policy is now effective for Royal British Legion involvement in veteran funerals.

• All requests received from the family by the County Office will be referred to the nearest Branch, who will be responsible for making the necessary arrangements. Any requests from the family direct to a Branch should be dealt with accordingly.  The Branch is responsible for providing a Standard Bearer and meeting the cost of travel etc from Branch funds.
• The organising Branch may invite other Standard Bearers to attend but would normally be responsible for their travel expenses and the consent of the relevant Branch Chair is required to attend.
• If a Branch is unable to provide a Standard Bearer, they must contact the County Parade Marshal (CPM) who will arrange for a neighbouring Branch to provide a Standard Bearer, with that Branch meeting any Standard Bearer expenses.
• Any funerals which are considered to be a major event and require the attendance of the County Chair, CPM, County Standard Bearer and other Branches (including their Standard Bearers) are to be notified as soon as possible to the CPM who is responsible for the planning and organisation the ceremonial element of any such events.
• Provision of a Standard Bearer at funerals is to be reported in the quarterly Branch BCS Report (if the Branch is BCS registered).

Contact:  County Parade Marshal – Oxfordshire.ParadeMarshal@rbl.community