The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) was founded in 1927 by a group of 15 Funeral Directors who recognised the need for a separate organization for the professional embalmer. The purpose of the British Institute of Embalmers is to advance and promote the art and science of embalming.

The Institute is committed to supporting and protecting the status, character and interest of persons professing or practising the art and science of embalming. It exists to promote the efficient tuition of persons seeking to study and practise embalming and for encouraging members to maintain their proficiency and observing best practice by providing educational lectures, Conferences and other forums for its members.

The Institute will consider all questions affecting the interests of persons engaged in embalming, sanitation, and disposal of the diseased, and to initiate and watch over, and, if thought desirable, to petition the government, or promote deputation's in relation to any public measure affecting any matters aforesaid, and to promote improvements in the principles and administration of the law relating to the treatment and disposal of the bodies of the dead.

Each member of the Institute takes very seriously the sacred trust that 

This trust is embodied in the Institute’s Code of Ethics which is recited and observed by all members and is as follows:

• I believe that the practice of Embalming is in the interest of Public Health and promise to promote embalming to the best of my ability.

• I will treat with respect each dead human body.

• I pledge a complete confidential relationship to those I am called upon to serve.

• I will endeavour to promote scientific research in the problems affecting Embalming.

• I undertake to abide by the regulations of the BIE and to support, to the best of my ability, any meeting or gathering arranged by them.

The Australasian Division

The Australasian Division is committed to the above mentioned functions, purpose, ethos and ethics of the British Institute of Embalmers by its membership as a Division. The division fulfils its duty to the charter of the Institute by holding Continuing Professional Development lectures throughout the year in as many States as possible and with an AnnualConference held in February.

In addition to the educational sessions the Division endeavours to hold social functions to encourage members to get to know each other and foster networks among colleagues.

These contacts enable the sharing of new ideas, techniques, members experience and knowledge in a very effective manner.