Martin Trask

An accomplished and committed professional in the funeral industry, offering over 39 years of experience, including senior leadership positions and specialized technical expertise in embalming, mortuary operations, and restorative art. Demonstrates a proven history of effective funeral home management, team leadership, and delivering exceptional care for the deceased. Dedicated to maintaining excellence, ensuring compliance, and providing compassionate service in all facets of the funeral profession.

Key Skills & Expertise

• Funeral Home & Care Centre Management

• Embalming (Standard, Post-Mortem, Trauma & Decomposition Cases)

• Restorative Art & Reconstruction (Fountain Certified)

• Health & Safety Compliance

• Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Mortuary Procedures & Quality Control

• Client and Stakeholder Relations

• Cosmetic Application (Airbrush & Manual Techniques)

Professional Experience

Funeral Cluster Manager

Central England Co-operative – Derby Region Dates: [Insert start date] – [Insert end date] Managed operations across 10 funeral homes and a central care centre. Oversaw all business functions including staffing, budgeting, compliance, mortuary operations, and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Led multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and compassionate workplace culture.

• Managed financial oversight, including budget control, stock procurement, invoice checking, and annual stock audits.

• Ensured compliance with health and safety policies across all locations, collaborating with HR and senior leadership.

• Led procurement for group purchases including coffins, embalming supplies, PPE, and specialist equipment.

• Maintained quality assurance for deceased presentation and service standards.

• Coordinated with internal and external stakeholders to uphold operational excellence.

• Conducted regular site audits and process reviews to ensure efficient service delivery.

Technical Experience & Embalming Skills

• Embalming Expertise: Proficient in arterial, cavity, and hypodermic techniques.

• Post-Mortem Cases: Skilled in internal embalming post autopsy, cranial reconstruction, and organ reintegration.

• Trauma & Decomposition Cases: Experienced in handling high-complexity cases including RTAs, suicides, homicide, maggot infestation, oedema, jaundice, and advanced decomposition.

• Restorative Work: Soft tissue repair, feature rebuilding, and the use of waxes, fillers, and sealants.

• Cosmetic Application: Highly skilled in both airbrush and traditional cosmetic techniques.

• Mortuary Operations: Oversight of daily mortuary activities, stock management, and best-practice care protocols.

Training & Qualifications

Embalming Diploma – February 2001

British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) – Member (MBIE)

Restorative Art & Reconstructive Surgery – September 2005

Fountain National Academy, Springfield, Missouri, USA Advanced training in embalming techniques and facial reconstruction.

Additional Professional Engagements

Blake’s Emergency Services – International Response Team – October 2007 – Present

Available for deployment across the UK and internationally in response to mass fatality incidents, providing emergency mortuary services.

Omega Supplies – Training & Product Specialist – July 2007 – October 2009

Delivered technical training on ESCO Embalming Chemicals and Derma Pro Cosmetics across the UK and Europe (Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, Ireland).

European Biocides Directive – Industry Representation – 2007

Committee member presenting case studies across Europe advocating for the continued use of formaldehyde in professional embalming.

Entrepreneurial Experience

Owner/Operator – Independent Embalming Business – January 2010 – Present

Founded and operate an embalming business handling approximately 3,500 cases per year across the Midlands. Provide on-site embalming and post-mortem care services to numerous funeral homes.

Career History & Early Development

• Began career in 1986 as a YTS Apprentice with Midlands Co-operative Funeral Services.

  
  

• Gained hands-on experience in all aspects of funeral operations, including removals, funeral bearing, arranging, and client care.

• Progressed through various operational roles, building a deep understanding of the profession from the ground up.