Who’s Who 2024/25

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE 2024/25

Officers

• National President – Declan Maguire
• 1st Vice President – Ross Hickton
• 2nd Vice President – Gary Staker
• Chief Executive / Secretary – Terry Tennens F.SAIF
• SAIF Scotland President – James Morris
• Immediate Past National President – Mark Horton

Roles

• IFD College: Interim Chair – James Morris
• Government Liaison: Paul Allcock F.SAIF
• Professional Standards: Paul Sillett
• SAIF Representative on SAIF Charter: David Garland-Thomas
• SAIF Scotland Government Liaison – Joe Murren
• SAIF Scotland Standards/ Quality issues
• Treasurer: John Helps ACA

Committee Members             

• Craig Caldwell
• Daniel Ginder
• David Massam
• Simon Helliar–Moore
• George Roberts
• Oliver Towner

SUB COMMITTEES

• Professional Standards: Lead – Paul Sillett
• Membership: Lead – Gary Staker
• Quality Assurance: Lead – Simon Helliar-Moore
• Public Relations: Lead – Mark Porteous F.SAIF
• Products & Services: Lead – Declan Maguire
• Mortuary Matters: Lead – Craig Caldwell
• UK Government Liaison: Lead – Paul Allcock F.SAIF
• Education Committee: Lead – Craig Caldwell
• Wellness Group: Lead – Jo Parker

ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SAIF’s Executive Committee’s role is to act as the governing institution of the association with members expected to:

• conduct his/her business interests in a manner which upholds the best standards of the society
• attend SAIF’s National events, whenever possible
• attend their regional meeting as the Executive Committee’s representative of that region
• provide input, advice, experience and resources to assist the Chief Executive and SBC staff in their day to day operations
• act as co-ordinators in their own region especially if there is no other key person in the region
• attend quarterly Executive Committee meetings

At each Annual General Meeting, there is usually an opportunity to join the committee, with varying numbers of places available. All SAIF members are contacted prior to the AGM about the opportunity to stand for one of the places.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT 2024/25

Declan Maguire is SAIF’s National President for 2024/25. He is a Director of Anderson Maguire Funeral Directors, which has served the people of Glasgow for over 40 years.

CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Declan has chosen MyName5Doddie Foundation as his charity for the year, which supports research into Motor Neuron Disease across the UK.

Doddie Weir first shared his motor neuron disease diagnosis (MND) in June 2017. From the outset, he was driven to help find a cure for this devastating disease and to support those living with it today.

Despite losing Doddie in November 2022, his vision, energy and drive continues to inspire everything they do.

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is dedicated to funding the search for effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND. Consequently, the vast majority of the money raised goes towards research projects across the UK.

Since inception in 2017, the Foundation has committed over £11 million to this research, supporting over 35 projects across the UK and Europe. We have supported world-leading scientists and doctors who are investigating the causes of MND and developing novel treatments to slow or stop disease progression. In addition, the foundation is a key funder of several clinical trials across the UK and are proud that more people living with MND in the UK are on a clinical trial, than has ever been seen before.

How can you help?

• Donate online here or use the QR Code
• Text to donate:
  • SAIF5 to 70580
  • SAIF10 to 70580
  • SAIF20 to 70580
  • Texting just SAIF to 70580 will also just donate £10. 
• Here are some ideas of fundraising activities you could organise in your company.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE TERRY TENNENS F.SAIF

Terry Tennens joined SAIF as Chief Executive in 2016.

Whether it’s commenting on changes in legislation, consulting with other like-minded organisations or providing a comment for the media – Terry is committed to ensuring the views of independent funeral directors are heard throughout the UK.

In 2023 AGM Terry received SAIF’s highest award of the Fellowship of the Society. 

SAIF SCOTLAND

SAIF Scotland represents the interests of our members north of the border – responding to changes in legislation and other issues that are specific to Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Contacts 2024/2025:

• Scottish President – James Morris
• 1st Vice President & SAIF Charter Representative – Ross Anderson
• 2nd Vice President –
• Scottish Treasurer & Membership – Declan Maguire
• Scottish Secretary – Gavin Henshelwood 0141 445 1124 / secretary@saifscotland.org

Meeting dates: Please contact Gavin Henshelwood for more details of meetings or to register your places.

SAIF BUSINESS CENTRE

• Administration Manager – Claire Day
• SAIF Administrators: Angela Camp, Kara Hanrahan, Maria Sherlock and Sam Reynolds.
• Telephone: 01279 726777 / 0345 2306777
• Email via the Contact Form

Independent Funeral Directors (IFD) College

• IFD College Administrator: Sharon Welford
• Telephone: 01279 726777 / 0345 2306777