Funeral Directors Tender

State Trustees Limited (STL) is issuing this Request for Proposal to develop our understanding of the funeral services market, to identify suppliers capable of delivering funeral services that deliver the best outcome for our clients and to obtain a greater understand of suppliers’ capabilities and experience.

STL is now seeking to appoint a panel of funeral providers to deliver these services moving forward. STL is open to considering the appointment of fewer funeral providers than in the previous tender to create greater economies of scale for appointed providers. A criteria evaluation component will be included to ensure service providers can handle anticipated increased volume, across the whole State of Victoria.

STL is interested in receiving submissions that offer a more standardised approach to provision of funeral services. A three-level approach is recommended, with each level comprising different service offerings:

• Level 1 funeral – Essential Care Funeral

• Level 2 funeral

• Level 3 funeral

Level 1 being most basic and level 3 being most comprehensive level funeral services.

STL is also seeking to appoint funeral service providers that have experience and capability in reciprocal business partnering and referrals. We are particularly interested in:

• Partners who are able to provide a high quality of funeral services across each of the 3 levels of funerals.

• Partnering with Funeral service providers with strong engagement skills.

• Partners that share STL’s values and commitment to serve all Victorians.

• Partners who share a commitment to offer STL services to Victorians, including end of life taxation services, estate administration and in the context of pre-paid funeral business – promoting STL’s will writing and power of attorney (POA) services.

• Potential co-branding brochureware and appropriate representation on funeral service provider’s website/s.

• Commitment to undertake a formal six-monthly partnership meeting; and

Further detail on the requirements is described in Part B of this tender document.

STL issues this Tender to identify suppliers who have the proven capability to deliver funeral services that STL determines are in the best interest of our clients. STL also wishes to partner with service providers who have the desire and capability to build a strategic relationship with STL through referral programs whilst maintaining focus on customer service and a provision of service that includes dedication to continued innovation in funeral care.

Following evaluation and review of responses, selected respondents may be offered a Master Service Agreement (MSA) to review (and execute), that will capture the agreed arrangements and service expectations.

STL invites you to respond to this Tender. Our intention is to short list a select number of providers and then undertake due diligence activities, including onsite inspection/s, in April 2026.

It is important that all tender responses are supported with clear evidence of how your organisation’s experience and capability will benefit STL and our clients, including information about any additional services you can deliver. This information will be considered as part of the Tender process and may help inform our assessment. We regard highly any opportunities to build long-lasting strategic and operational partnerships with our important third-party providers.