Golden Charter - Later Life Planning Catalogue

Golden Charter has been helping families across the UK plan ahead since 1989, working with over 3,000 independent funeral directors nationwide. As one of the UK's largest prepaid funeral plan providers, and a founding member of the Funeral Planning Authority, Golden Charter built its reputation on security, consumer protection and straightforward later-life planning. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Prepaid Funeral Plans

A Golden Charter Funeral Plan lets you arrange your funeral in advance, lock in today's costs and set out your personal wishes in detail. Your money is held securely in the Golden Charter Trust, an independently managed fund established in 1990. When the time comes, a single call to your chosen funeral director is all it takes to activate the plan, sparing your family from having to make difficult decisions at a stressful time.

An Easy Way to Protect Your Family

By fixing the cost of funeral director services at the time you take out a plan, you shield your loved ones from rising prices and from the practical burden of planning. You choose the funeral director you want, specify the type of service you prefer, and leave clear instructions that can be followed exactly as you intend.

Later Life Legal Services

Beyond funeral plans, Golden Charter offered a range of later-life legal services designed to help you take control of your estate. These included will-writing, power of attorney and estate-planning support, helping to ensure that your home, savings, pension and personal belongings are handled in line with your wishes quickly and with minimum difficulty for those you leave behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my money safe with a Golden Charter Funeral Plan?

Yes. Funds paid into a Golden Charter Funeral Plan are held in the independently managed Golden Charter Trust, established in 1990. Golden Charter Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, giving additional statutory protection to plan holders.

How many funeral directors work with Golden Charter?

Golden Charter works with over 3,000 independent funeral directors across the UK, so you can usually choose a local director you trust rather than being tied to a national chain.

When was Golden Charter founded?

Golden Charter was founded in 1989 and was set up by an association of independent funeral directors to protect local businesses and offer consumers a secure way to plan ahead. The Golden Charter Trust was established the following year in 1990.

What legal services did Golden Charter offer?

In addition to funeral plans, Golden Charter provided later-life legal services covering will-writing, lasting power of attorney and estate planning, helping customers protect their assets and ensure their final wishes were carried out.

What happens when I need to activate a plan?

Activating a Golden Charter Funeral Plan requires just one phone call to the nominated funeral director. The plan details and your recorded wishes are passed on immediately, so your family does not need to handle the arrangements or meet the costs at that point.

Was Golden Charter regulated?

Yes. The prepaid funeral plan sector became subject to statutory regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority on 29 July 2022. Golden Charter Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA, and was also a founding member of the Funeral Planning Authority prior to statutory regulation.

Note: this brochure is from our archive. Details, prices and availability may have changed since it was published. We recommend contacting Golden Charter directly for current information.