tridentadmin, Author at SAIF

Updated guidance for managing funerals – England, NI & Wales

England On 9th July the UK Government issued updated guidance with regard to who can attend a funeral in England, covering mourner numbers, overnight stays and management of the funeral venue. The guidance can be read in full here. Guidance on places of worship is available here. Section 4 includes instructions on adapting practises to reduce the […]

Scottish government announces new funeral guidance

Changes from 10th July From 10th July, face coverings were made mandatory in Scotland in shops, retail settings and private hire vehicles. New guidance is available, with specific guidance for retail settings. This requirement applies to funeral director businesses. Changes from 15th July From 15th July, there will be a maximum cap of 20 on […]

New guidance affecting funeral numbers

SAIF is pleased to see clarification from the Government that funerals can be attended by up to 30 people in places of worship in England. The new rules state: Funerals should have no more than 30 people in attendance. Attendance should also be within the capacity limits of the premises so that social distancing can […]

Mental health support for Scotland’s funeral profession

The coronavirus outbreak has changed daily life for funeral professionals everywhere and it’s had a real impact on how many people are feeling. The Scottish Government’s Burial & Cremation Team has provided mental health and well-being resources to support both people and businesses during and after the crisis, including for the funeral industry. See their […]

SAIF Scotland members online meeting 9th July

As the country gradually eases out of lockdown, hopefully for most of us the busiest spell is now behind us. A lot has happened over the past few months and a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes at SAIF to represent the interests of our members throughout the country. Now […]

Help bereaved youngsters find “A Better Place”

Based on her experiences of losing her father, Alyson Marsh has written and illustrated a beautiful book called ‘A Better Place’ to help young people cope with the loss of a parent. The main character, a young girl called Thora begins feeling confused and lost but starts to believe that her daddy has actually gone […]

SAIF funeral directors go above and beyond during Covid-19

Pandemic restrictions have introduced limitations on how funerals can be run and how families and friends can support each other. To help families achieve a meaningful farewell, SAIF funeral directors have been providing new and creative ways of allowing loved ones to say goodbye and to grieve. We have been sharing their ideas on our […]

Like to learn online with IFD College?

With social distancing still in place, and to protect our students and tutors, the Independent Funeral Dirctors’ (IFD) College is looking at potentially providing some training by Zoom. Please contact Corinne if you would be interested in attending courses held in this way.

Scottish lockdown restrictions changes affecting funerals

From The Scottish Government’s Burial & Cremation Team: The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on 24th June when further changes to lockdown restrictions might take effect for the remainder of Phase 2 and early Phase 3. Funeral service restrictions are unlikely to be eased before 23 July, alongside marriages and civil partnerships, though this will […]

Funeral directors prove their worth during Covid-19

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock for his thoughts on his experiences of the profession in recent months. Paul is SAIF’s government liaison representative, Past President and a dedicated Executive Committee member. March 23rd 2020 is a date that will remain well and truly ingrained in the memories of our nation. The weeks and now months following […]

Join SAIF online on 1st July at 6 pm

Covid-19 won’t stop SAIF from supporting members in person, even if the meetings happen virtually rather than around the country. SAIF President Mark Porteous and CEO Terry Tennens will be available online for updates and discussion via video conferencing. Events will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 pm. The next event will […]

Prospective new members

SAIF has received applications from prospective members and associates based in Essex, Cheshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Pembrokeshire, Kent, Cornwall, Lancashire and Tyne & Wear.Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF telecoms technical problems 25th June – now resolved

We have been given temporary access access to the lines so we should be able to receive calls and emails, although there may still be intermittent problems.

Prospective new applicants

SAIF has received applications from prospective members and associates based in Buckinghamshire, Devon, West Midlands, East Sussex, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Kent and Lancashire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF Webinar – maintaining a bereavement support group during Covid-19

How do you continue to provide an essential bereavement support group when social distancing measures are enforced? What help can you give mainly elderly computer illiterate people at a time when they are isolated and vulnerable to mental health issues? Chris Parker FSAIF, retired Managing Director of Abbey Funerals in Tonbridge, describes how her bereavement […]

Talking Toolkit to help employee’s mental health

The coronavirus outbreak has increased pressure on workers and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has resources to help employers support them with stress and mental health conditions. Planning, training and support can all reduce pressure and bring stress levels down. Their guidance is designed to help you support employee mental health by managing work-related […]

Scottish government updated advice on funeral services in places of worship

The guidance, updated on 19th June, is to help those responsible for places of worship and their ongoing consideration for reopening for funeral services, to help support their communities and in line with current restrictions. It is not an instruction or request to reopen a place of worship for a funeral service. Each place of […]

Deferral of VAT payment due to Covid-19

Note from Her Majesty’s Revenues & Customs (HMRC): As part of the government’s support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties. Payment of VAT falling due between 20‌‌ March and 30‌‌ June 2020 […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – financial scams and cyber security

HMRC are warning that criminals are taking advantage of Coronavirus and the package of measures to support people and businesses announced by the Government. They text, email or phone businesses offering spurious financial support or tax refunds. These try to get financial and personal information or attempt to infiltrate computer systems to steal data or […]

SAIF’s Tech Talk webinar recording now available

Interested in learning how you can use free software apps to make your funeral business more efficient? SAIF Scotland Treasurer Declan Maguire gives a basic introduction to the cloud and other online tools in this webinar. See demonstrations of software and use the links provided to find out more for yourself. SAIF Members may view […]

HSE warns about sub-standard face masks

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued an alert about the use of face masks designated KN95. According to the government agency, a “substantial number” of face masks, claiming to be of KN95 standard, provide an inadequate level of protection and are likely to be poor quality products accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork. These […]

Meet with SAIF for advice and support

This year instead of our usual regional meetings, we’re providing online support for members. We can’t be there in person but we can still provide advice and support via our new video conferences. Meet online with SAIF President Mark Porteous and CEO Terry Tennens plus SAIF Members in your local region. There may be issues […]

SAIF South West Member? Join our online meeting this Wednesday.

Official guidance on procuring body bags

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has issued the following guidance with regard to PVC body bags. Some body bags are made from plastic-based, highly halogenated materials such as Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC). Combustion of PVC and other highly halogenated materials can cause dioxin formation during the cremation process. Dioxins are harmful to human […]

Funeral costs support available to care workers affected by Covid-19.

The Care Workers’ Charity has set up a special Covid-19 Emergency Fund to help care workers who are forced to take time off due to the coronavirus pandemic and need financial help with matters such as funeral costs and self-isolation living expenses. Applicants must work in a role that is involved in or supports the […]

SAIF Tech Talk on Thursday at 4 pm

Beginners’ guide to quick, cost-effective software apps for your funeral business This week’s SAIF Webinar, which will be led by SAIF Scotland Treasurer Declan Maguire, of Anderson Maguire Funeral Directors, Glasgow, is a gentle introduction to the Cloud, simple communication and cloud storage applications for funeral homes. This digital technology is becoming more important to […]

Webinar recording on bereavement during Covid-19 now available

SAIF thanks Catherine Betley of Professional Help for her recent webinar on the long term impacts of bereavement during the coronavirus pandemic. Attendees found it an interesting and useful session. In addition to Catherine’s suggestions, SAIF members also swapped ideas on how to achieve meaningful funerals with lockdown restrictions. SAIF Members may download the webinar […]

Visit your local online Regional Meeting

‘The times they are a changing’

Or are they? And not as most would think! There have certainly been many changes since 23rd March this year to the way funerals are arranged. The majority of the changes have of course been enforced changes with churches closing their doors, crematoria and cemeteries limiting attendance to a handful and some even not allowing […]

SCAM ALERT !

We have been made aware of a SCAM that has affected one of our associate members Clarke & Strong. Please be aware that their electronic systems have been compromised. If you see any unusual activity on the account such as being overpaid or being paid twice and/or being paid for products that you have not […]

Webinar for SAIF members on 28th May

The long-term impact of bereavement during Covid-19 and how funeral directors can help As a funeral professional, you may currently be feeling frustrated and saddened that you can’t personalise a funeral or comfort and support families in the ways you previously could. Coping with a loved one’s death is always painful, but meaningful farewells are […]

Webinar resources from HMRC

Find out if you can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme or how to make a claim on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, by joining one of the following live webinars. They’re interactive giving you the opportunity to ask questions using the on-screen text box. Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme: Providing an overview […]

SAIF Insure – advice on post COVID-19

From SAIF Insure Whilst many businesses are looking to plan their return to work and what should be considered in light of the virus, the funeral profession has been working continually and at an incredible rate whilst under considerable pressure. There are going to be changes that need to be considered from a variety of […]

Coping in an area of high prevalence of Covid-19

“We’re all in this together” is a common theme during this pandemic and it’s helpful to share our common issues and concerns. Working together, SAIF members can learn from each other, share helpful tips and provide support where possible. The webinar forum provides an easy and convenient way of ‘meeting up’ virtually. In this week’s webinar we’ll focus on […]

SAIF members in the news

Despite being incredibly busy, SAIF members from across the country have pulled out all the stops to assist with media enquiries arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, we’ve seen some sensitive and informative films and media quotes about the work of funeral directors in a range of news outlets including BBC Wales, Radio […]

Suicide Bereavement Support information for those impacted by suicide during the COVID19 pandemic

When someone is impacted by suicide – especially losing someone close to them – they can feel completely at a loss, unsure what to do or what will happen next. In this very difficult time, where the whole country is facing lockdown, restrictions and uncertainty, they may feel completely overwhelmed and not be sure how […]

Advice for families with restricted funerals

To help families find meaningful ways to say goodbye in this period of funeral restrictions, SAIF has produced a set of ideas and tips which can be downloaded here. Members are encouraged to post the content, which can be printed out or emailed to families, on their websites and social media channels.

Financial advice for SAIF Members – webinar on 23rd April

SAIF is currently running a series of webinars to provide specialist assistance for issues raised by the Covid-19 situation. With a financial focus, this week’s webinar will be presented by Christopher Plews, financial advisor with Gilson Grey Financial Management LLP. Chris will present on: Business Protection: “key person”, life cover, income protection or critical illness […]

Funeral directors asked to sign up to secure NHS service

SAIF has received information about a free NHS secure email encryption facility which allows GP surgeries (and other NHS and Government departments) to be able to send out information in a secure manner, rather than via open email, thus allowing GDPR protocols to be observed in respect of people’s information. We are advised that, at […]

Message for funeral directors in the West Midlands

A regional strategy has been adopted by the seven West Midlands Authorities regarding funerals during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we appreciate the need for funeral directors to communicate the changes to bereaved families, the strategy will come into effect on Tuesday 14th April. A number of protocols have been agreed and will be implemented across […]

SAIF Members PPE questionnaire

SAIF is asking all members to participate in this short but important survey to help us gauge how best to direct PPE, and understand funeral home capacity levels to ensure independent funeral directors are involved in the response to mass fatalities. It’s absolutely vital that all members participate. Click here to complete the survey.

Online memorials for loved ones

SAIF has been contacted by several charities to highlight online platforms which create a lasting tribute in memory of loved ones. The websites allow friends and families to share thoughts and photographs which may bring some comfort at this difficult time and will also help the charity of the family’s choice.

SAIF Members’ webinar recording available

SAIF thanks Catherine Betley of Professional Help for her presentation this afternoon on Supporting staff through the COVID-19 crisis. Members may login to the Members’ area here Then use this link to our new series of webinars relating to the crisis. If you have problems logging in, please contact SAIF on 0345 230 6777 during […]

Message from Funeral Celebrancy Council

On 25th March SAIF & NAFD confirmed that they consider funeral celebrants essential to the management of the deceased and are, therefore, to be regarded as essential key workers in the funeral industry, under government guidelines. This confirmation of both NAFD and SAIF recognition of celebrants as key workers may be passed to crematorium staff […]

Farewell to one of SAIF’s founders

Paul Bysouth Dip. FD, F.SAIF, Past President, The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors Many of our membership will know Paul Bysouth, especially those involved in the earliest years of SAIF and in more recent times will be aware of the challenges that he faced stoically with his wife, Dorothy following his stroke […]

Sector-wide advice on limiting attendance at funerals

A group of seven organisations representing the funeral, burial and cremation sector has issued joint guidance on the number of mourners attending funerals following the Government’s announcement on limiting attendance to immediate family only. The Deceased Management Advisory Group (DMAG), which is regularly liaising with government on the sector’s response to COVID-19, comprises the National […]

SAIF Member Webinar 26th March at 3pm

SAIF Members are invited to a webinar on Supporting staff at risk in a crisis This online session is aimed at owners, managers and general staff of SAIF member companies. Catherine Betley, who provides SAIF Care and SAIF Support, will describe the pressures, fears and worries that staff are facing. She will explain the importance […]

Technical problems

We apologise that we are currently unable to respond to emails, including info@saif.org.uk. We are working to fix the problem and will update here when the issues are resolved. Thank you for your patience.

Royal Mail announcement

Royal Mail has given this information: Dear Customer, At Royal Mail, we are actively monitoring the rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation. The postal service is a key part of the UK’s infrastructure. The delivery of parcels and letters is a key way of keeping the country together and helping many people who may not have the […]

Message from SAIF Executive

As newly-elected President of SAIF, I and my fellow officers, Jo Parker and Mark Horton, wanted to offer our support and good wishes at this difficult time. Our team of officers, guided by our fantastic Chief Executive Terry Tennens, is working round-the-clock to ensure that the latest advice from Government and other stakeholders is shared […]

Prospective new member in Staffordshire

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF – Latest advice on COVID 19

SAIF is aware there is lots of conflicting advice across the nation. It is a very confusing picture how funeral directors should protect themselves from COVID-19 and service their families during this crisis. Amidst this confusion SAIF seeks to give you a steer for day to day operations, but caveat this advice, if in doubt, […]

Provisional guidance on the use of limousines with COVID-19 client deaths

This is provisional guidance from SAIF, that means, we have not received Government advice and contradictory advice from Public Health England (PHE). We recommend where families have a deceased relative who died with COVID-19, we recommend you carefully advise families that in order for you to take responsibility for your staff, we are not able to […]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for SAIF Members

We have created a Coronavirus page in the Members’ area and will be updating it as soon as we receive any relevant information. SAIF Members may access the page by: Login to the Members’ area Use this link

SAIF Contact Number

SAIF Members and members of the public please use this telephone number: 0345 230 6777 until advised otherwise.

Prospective new member in North Yorkshire

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member in North Yorkshire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Coronavirus update for employers from government

The government updated its information for employers and employees on 10th March. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-covid-19

Prospective new member in Kent

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member in Kent. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF executive nomination deadline 9th March

Don’t forget that votes must be received at SAIF Business Centre by 5.00 pm on Monday 9th March. This year there are three nominees for two vacant seats on the National Executive Committee. You should have received a nomination booklet along with the AGM Notice of Meeting in the post. The nomination booklet also includes […]

Coronavirus – advice from ACAS

ACAS has published advice about the Coronavirus for employers and employees. In case the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads more widely in the UK, employers should consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff: Use this link: https://bit.ly/2IccjG7