Monthly Archives: June 2015
Digital autopsies offer alternative to post mortems
If a loved one requires a post mortem, traditionally the organs of the deceased are removed for examination. Although...
Apply for the government’s broadband connection voucher scheme
More than 25,000 small and medium businesses (SMEs) across the UK have benefitted from the Government’s Broadband Connection voucher scheme....
Church of England Campaign for Religious Funerals
Across the UK, religious funerals are growing increasingly rare and the Church of England has begun a national campaign...
SAIF highlights Fair Funeral Pledge on BBC Wiltshire
SAIF Vice President Paul Allcock was interviewed on BBC Wiltshire on 24th June about funeral poverty. Paul began the interview by explaining...
Child Funeral Charity to hold seminar 14th July
The Child Funeral Charity (CFC) is holding an educational seminar on deaths and funerals in different religions and cultures...
The government commits to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills recently announced that the term ‘apprenticeship’ will be protected in law. It...
Funerals and burial space: key issues for the 2015 Parliament
As reported in SAIFinsight June 2015, the rising cost of funerals and the increasing lack of burial space will...
Developing the SAIF brand
“Contrary to popular opinion, we are not doing our job of representing independent funeral directors out of any ‘self...
Has the British funeral transformed?
BBC Online recently reported that the stiff upper lip is now absent from the average British funeral. Now it’s a...
SAIF Member gains coverage for Fair Funerals Pledge
Paul Williams Independent Funeral Director of Bury has gained local coverage of the Fair Funerals Pledge. The Bury Times...
Cruse to host Conference at Warwick on 7th and 8th July
New insights into bereavement care This will be a two day exploration of grief and bereavement issues, featuring world...
SAIF shortlisted for TAF Awards 2015
SAIF is delighted to anounce that we have reached finalist status for entry in the Trade Association Forum’s Best...
How does The Localism Act affect funeral businesses?
In 2011 The Localism Act was quietly enacted in Parliament to provide local authorities with greater freedoms and flexibilities in their...
SAIF’s Successful Stint at National Funeral Exhibition
SAIF would like to thank all members and associates who visited their stand at the National Funeral Exhibition. During the weekend...
Join us on SAIF’s stand at the NFE
SAIF’s stand at the National Funeral Exhibition this year is designed as a hospitality area and we hope to meet and...
Woman jailed for hiding son’s funeral from ex-husband
The Guardian recently reported on the story of a woman who signed fake certificates to stop her ex-husband from attending the...
Fancy a day out at Snowdon with SAIF’s President?
Having completed the West Highland Way, I’m now planning my next charity activity – climbing Snowdon on 11th July....
Small independent funeral directors back Fair Funerals pledge
Over eight hundred independent funeral directors, who are members of SAIF, are being urged to back the Fair Funerals...
Too poor to die – report by The Guardian
A report by The Guardian today highlights the increased costs of funeral costs, particularly for those on low incomes....
How does ill health affect staff productivity?
According to research by Price Waterhouse Coopers*, the annual cost of sickness absence has climbed to £29 billion for...
Infection Control Update
As you will be well aware there are a number of health and safety risks that exist in funeral...
800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta
Why Commemorate the 800th Anniversary? The Magna Carta, or the Great Charter of Liberty, was born on 15 June...
Need help with Pay and Work Rights?
Acas now provides help and advice for workers and employers on rights and obligations at work. Acas provides free...
Gemma’s Mission Accomplished!
Congratulations to SAIF National President Gemma O’Driscoll and team who have successfully achieved their goal of walking the West...
Gemma’s Tough Few Days
SAIF’s National President, Gemma O’Driscoll gives an update on the final day of the West Highland Way Challenge. ...
Charity Commission Scam Warning
Regulator issues alert about a scam that uses a fake charity name to obtain bank information. The Charity Commission...
The funeral time bomb
A report by the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) has predicted a 20% increase in the number of deaths. Entitled...
Gemma’s West Highland Way Challenge Starts today
SAIF wishes National President Gemma O’Driscoll and her team well at the start of their ambitious challenge of completing...