Richard Arnold MBIE

RICHARD ARNOLD MBIE

International Authority in Mortuary Science, Post Mortem Reconstruction & Global Embalming Standards

United KingdomMember – British Institute of Embalmers (MBIE)Honorary Member – Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity, Southern Illinois University (SIU), Carbondale, USA

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Richard Arnold MBIE is a globally recognised leader in mortuary science, advanced post mortem reconstruction, and international embalming standards development, with a professional career spanning more than 35 years.

Beginning as an apprentice embalmer in 1990, he has progressed to become a strategic innovator, educator, infrastructure designer, and trusted government advisor. His work has influenced professional practice across the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally, particularly in the areas of complex trauma restoration, disaster victim identification, mass fatality management, and mortuary systems development.

He is currently collaborating with Fine Mortuary College to establish a worldwide recognised embalming qualification framework, designed to unify and elevate global competency standards within the profession.

STRATEGIC IMPACT & LEADERSHIP

Global Standards Development

• Architect of a proposed internationally recognised embalming qualification framework.

• Advocate for harmonised professional standards in restorative practice and mortuary science.

• Advisor on competency-based education models for global mortuary training institutions.

Mass Fatality Infrastructure & National Resilience

• Designer of large-scale mass fatality storage units deployed throughout the United Kingdom.

• Major supplier of surge-capacity mortuary storage solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Contributor to national resilience planning and emergency mortuary preparedness infrastructure.

Government & Defence Advisory

• Worked in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

• Active participant in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and mass fatality response teams.

• Liaised with government authorities following terror incidents and major disasters.

• Specialist advisor in dignified reconstruction and identification protocols.

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY & MARKET ADVISORY

Richard Arnold serves as an international consultant to numerous companies worldwide, advising on:

• Global embalming markets and sector trends

• Regulatory and compliance frameworks

• Cultural and religious funeral traditions

• International product development alignment

• Strategic market entry within emerging mortuary sectors

His advisory work bridges technical excellence with cultural intelligence, ensuring global adaptability of mortuary products and services.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP

Founder & Principal Embalmer

Independent Trade Embalming Service | United Kingdom

• National provider of advanced reconstruction and complex trauma restoration.

• Specialist in international repatriation embalming and regulatory compliance.

• Pioneer of innovative embalming procedures adopted within the profession.

Funeral Home Owner

Owner – Seven Funeral Homes | United Kingdom

• Strategic oversight of multi-site funeral operations.

• Design and development of modern mortuary, reconstruction, and storage facilities.

• Implementation of enhanced identification, training, and disaster response protocols.

Embalmer

A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service | NottinghamTrade Services | London

• Advanced reconstructive specialist in high-complexity clinical cases.

• Recognised for precision, presentation excellence, and restorative innovation.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Creator of the United Kingdom’s first structured Mortuary Cosmetic Training Programme for dermatology professionals.

• Developer of specialist practical reconstruction courses including:

  • Advanced wound restoration using synthetic training heads

  • Cranial reconstruction techniques using educational skull models

• International lecturer delivering specialist training in France, Italy, and Puerto Rico.

• Demonstrated advanced reconstructive and airbrush cosmetic techniques alongside leading international reconstruction educators.

INNOVATION & INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION

• Pioneer of new embalming fluids and advanced preservation procedures.

• Designer of embalming machinery, mortuary equipment, and reconstruction environments.

• Consultant in mortuary facility design and emergency storage systems.

• Principal UK & EU distributor (until December 2024) for leading embalming chemical and equipment manufacturers.

MEDIA & PUBLIC REPRESENTATION

• Technical advisor to international film and television productions including Netflix and the BBC.

• Consultant on accurate representation of mortuary science and post mortem reconstruction for global audiences.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Member – British Institute of Embalmers (MBIE)

• Honorary Member – Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity, Southern Illinois University (USA)

LEGACY & VISION

Richard Arnold’s career reflects a sustained commitment to raising professional standards, strengthening disaster readiness infrastructure, advancing reconstructive science, and promoting dignified care across cultures.

His current focus is the establishment of globally recognised embalming qualifications designed to create consistency, excellence, and ethical leadership within the international mortuary profession.