The independent commission set up in the wake of the baby ashes scandal has published its first advice for crematoria owners.
The group, led by former high court judge Lord Bonomy, has released “common sense” guidance for local investigations into specific allegations.
Inquiries should be transparent, independent and sensitive to the families affected, the commission said.
“I am pleased to report that the Infant Cremation Commission has now met twice, with very constructive and productive discussions even at this early stage,” Lord Bonomy said.
“We have now published initial guidance for all cremation authorities, to assist them if they conduct a local investigation.
“This guidance includes ensuring any such investigations are conducted transparently, independently and objectively and are respectful and sensitive to the concerns of affected families.”
Bereaved parents, cremation staff and others have been urged to submit their views to the commission. The group is made up of representatives from local authorities, the NHS, organisations involved in cremation and relevant charities.
It is reviewing legislation, guidance and practice across Scotland and internationally in relation to the handling of ashes after the cremation of babies and infants.
The commission was set up after it emerged last December that Mortonhall crematorium in Edinburgh secretly buried the ashes of babies for decades without the knowledge of the families.
Since then, other local authorities have been implicated. It was revealed that the ashes of 24 babies cremated at Aberdeen crematorium in the last five years were never given to the families.
Glasgow City Council apologised to one family and joined calls for an independent investigation into the practices of publicly-owned crematoria to be held.
Former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini is already chairing an investigation into practices at Mortonhall crematorium. The commission is expected to make its recommendations by the end of the year.