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Statistics try to help reduce student suicides

A year ago The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published a report on the rates of Higher Education student suicides. Professor Louis Appleby, Chair of England’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, looks back on the past 12 months and the impact the ONS’ work has had. The ONS estimates showed that, contrary to the […]

Prospective new associate in West Sussex.

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

Prospective new associate members in Derbyshire & Netherlands

SAIF has received applications from prospectives associate member based in Derbyshire and another who has offices in Netherlands, Spain and the UK.. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Engaging with the government

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock, Government Liaison, for this update. June and July were particularly busy months with meetings and discussions with the Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and my attendance at Parliament for a hearing with the Department of Work and Pensions Committee (DWP). Each meeting proved to be both […]

Regulation of pre-paid funerals – consultation deadline 25th August

SAIF welcomes HM Treasury’s review of the funeral planning market. We hold the view that regulation – in a form which is easily understandable and set in the right framework – is a positive move. We strongly encourage members to read the consultation document and consider the Summary of questions in Chapter 8. Funeral directors […]

Prospective new members in Holyhead & Yeovil.

SAIF has received applications from prospective members based in Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey and Yeovil, Somerset. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Prospective new member in Carmarthen.

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

Annual RoadPeace memorial event 10th August

Every year on the second Saturday of August, during National Road Victim month, a ceremony of remembrance is held at RoadPeace Wood. This year’s event will be on: Saturday 10th August 2019. All are invited to attend this annual ceremony where people gather to remember together those they have lost their lives on our roads. The ceremony offers an opportunity […]

The true value of SAIF Membership from an insurance perspective

SAIF Insure has looked after SAIF membership interests since 1994. Here they outline the benefits that each member firm, irrespective of size, derives from the insurance benefits that SAIF provides for the membership. Each member company benefits from Professional Indemnity insurance of up to £2,000,000 of coverage. SAIF Insurance regularly see claims and notifications each […]

SAIF Member Daniel Robinson & Sons expand

Long standing SAIF Member, Daniel Robinson & Sons, have recently improved two of their branches. In Halstead, Essex, they have moved in to newly refurbished premises in the high street. They are now based in the town centre and the company have had the privilege of being able to bring a beautiful building back up […]

Prospective new member in Manchester.

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

New form for SAIF Scotland members

SAIF has have received instructions and a form for returning ashes to a cremation authority. The information has been produced by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities Scottish Sub-division. The form is to be used when a funeral director, in accordance with instructions from the applicant, has removed ashes from a crematorium and has […]

Prospective new member in Newcastle upon Tyne

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

Need professional training for your funeral staff?

The Independent Funeral Director’s College has updated the schedule of training courses to include a wide range of courses and venues through until the end of the year. Of special interest is the new course: Arranging Infant & Child Funerals, which is aimed at all funeral staff, from new to experienced members. View the schedule […]

Prospective new member in Durham

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

CBCE 2019

Pictured in the centre on the back row is SAIF’s National President, Jim Auld, who attended the recent Cremation and Burial Communication Education event held at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Are you ready for digital VAT?

SAIF has been contacted by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs about Making Tax Digital for VAT. Make sure you have the right software and signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. Remember to allow at least 72 hours before your VAT return is due or 7 days if you pay by direct debit. They […]

Guidelines for the Children Funeral Fund

The Children Funeral Fund came into force on 23rd July 2019 and covers funerals for children up to the age of 18. Funeral directors in England may claim for a coffin up to £300 and the grave digger’s fees. Costs for the crematorium or cemetery will be collected by those organisations. The MOJ has issued […]

Prospective new member in Cornwall

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

Competition & Markets Authority new consultation

The CMA would like to understand the nature and extent of any arrangements (formal or informal) between local organisations and funeral directors which may mean that funeral directors are providing services (for example, the initial removal of the deceased to a funeral director’s mortuary) without the knowledge or consent of the deceased’s family. If you […]

Lead Medical Examiner for Wales

SAIF has received the following information from NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership: (Welsh version below) NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) is pleased to announce that Dr Jason Shannon has been appointed to the role of Lead Medical Examiner for Wales. Dr Shannon will oversee the Wales Medical Examiner Service that will scrutinise all deaths across a […]

Prospective new members in Ashbourne & Llandudno

SAIF has received applications from prospective members based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and Llandudno, Conwy. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Children’s Funeral Fund

SAIF’s Chief Executive, Terry Tennens, attended a meeting with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on 16th July discussing the Children’s Funeral Fund for England. The scheme comes into force on 23rd July 2019 and covers funerals for children up to the age of 18. Every year in England an estimated 3,800 children die under the […]

Research report: Death in people aged 75 years and older in England 2017

The National End of Life Intelligence Network has released a new report, entitled Death in people aged 75 years and older in England in 2017. This report is the first in their new Death and End of Life Care bulletin series. In this new report, the total number of deaths amongst people aged 75 and older […]

SAIF welcomes Government announcement on Funeral Expenses

We welcome today’s announcement by Will Quince, Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance, on speeding up Funeral Expenses Payments claims. From today, families are able to make a claim with an estimated funeral date, providing other key information is supplied. As SAIF members will be well aware, previously a claim could not be […]

Scottish members – have you completed the Code of Practice consultation?

The Scottish Government welcomes comments on its draft Code of Practice. SAIF strongly encourages Members to take part in the consultation to voice the opinions of independent funeral directors. To take part: 1. Please first read the Code 2. Answer the consultation questions here The consultation will run until 20th September 2019.  The answers will be analysed and […]

Prospective new members in Aberdeenshire & Barnstaple

SAIF has received applications from prospective members based in Bickington, Barnstaple and Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Cremation Society elects new Chair

The Cremation Society has elected Professor Hilary J Grainger OBE as the new Chair with effect from 3 July 2019. Further information here.

Need advice about funerals?

SAIF has created a no-nonsense guide to understanding the funeral process. FuneralAdvice.org provides simple advice about funerals, funeral directors and the different funeral options available in the UK. The website’s aim is to answer common questions on topics like traditional funerals, direct cremation, burials, funeral costs and bereavement to name but a few.  Find answers […]

Prospective new member in N. Ireland

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

IFD College Course Schedule

The Autumn/Winter Schedule for the IFD College has now been published. Please check the Events page of this website for course dates or the IFD College website. For any enquiries or bookings please email corinne@saif-jrxkty6gv2.live-website.com or call 01279 726777.

SAIF Members Webinar 10th July

Are you using SAIF Care bereavement service to help your clients through their most difficult times?  Are you also using it to differentiate from competitors and support your customer experience strategy? SAIF Care is a bereavement counselling service which provides a telephone helpline, email advice, online chat facility or six face to face sessions. It […]

Prospective New Associate in Gloucestershire

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

Suicide Bereavement’s International Conference – 25th September, Manchester

Dr Sharon McDonnell of Suicide Bereavement UK presented at SAIF’s Education Day in 2017 and funeral directors were instrumental in mobilising responses to the first survey on the important subject of suicide and prevention.  We encourage members to attend this ground breaking conference. Funeral directors are first responders and SAIF has a partnership with the […]

SAIF voices funeral poverty concerns

Some excellent points were made at the Commons’ Work and Pensions Committee meeting last week by SAIF Government Liaison Officer and Past President Paul Allcock. Paul highlighted the inadequacy of the social fund payment and the need for the Department for Work and Pensions to fund simple funeral options for those without the means to pay for […]

Prospective New Member in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member based in Brunswick Village, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Prospective new member in York

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

Children’s Funeral Fund in England

The Prime Minister has intervened to establish the Children’s Funeral Fund for England (CFF). Under the scheme, bereaved parents, guardians or carers will no longer pay the fees charged for a cremation or burial of a child under the age of 18, or certain associated expenses. Fees and expenses will be met instead by government […]

Competition and Markets review of funeral profession

The CMA would like to understand the nature and extent of any arrangements (formal or informal) between local organisations and funeral directors which may mean that funeral directors are providing services (for example, the initial removal of the deceased to a funeral director’s mortuary) without the knowledge or consent of the deceased’s family. If you […]

SAIF Chief Executive offers insights on the future of funeral directing at CBCE

SAIF’s Chief Executive Terry Tennens today spoke to a packed hall of delegates at the Cremation and Burial Communication and Education 2019 in Southampton. In a session titled ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Terry discussed the challenges facing the funeral profession which range from regulatory concerns to environmental issues. Terry told the conference […]

BMA Update

GP fees for completing Cremation Forms 4 & 5 will not increase this year, remaining at £82 per form. The mileage allowance also remains the same at 57.5p per mile.

Prospective new member in Gloucestershire

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

SAIF Webinar 10th July

Are you using SAIF Care bereavement service to help your clients through their most difficult times?  Are you also using it to differentiate from competitors and support your customer experience strategy? SAIF Care is a bereavement counselling service which provides a telephone helpline, email advice, online chat facility or six face to face sessions. It […]

Prospective new member in London

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

Prospective New Member

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

Why are online reviews so important?

One of the most effective ways your funeral business can gain an edge over the competition is by developing a steady stream of online reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Yell.  Reviews give your business credibility in the digital age. If you were a bereaved person looking to find a trusted local funeral […]

Scottish Government publishes draft Code of Practice

The Scottish Government has announced the publication of the consultation into a draft Code of Practice. SAIF strongly encourages Members to take part in the consultation to voice the opinions of independent funeral directors. To take part: 1. Please first read the Code 2. Answer the consultation questions here The consultation will run until 20th September 2019.  The […]

Techincal Issue at SAIF Business Centre with emails

Please be advised that due to a technical issue, emails that are sent to and from the SAIF Business Centre may not be received.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to have the issue resolved within the next 24 hours.

Moneysavingexpert.com link to new FuneralAdvice.org

Website Moneysavingexpert.com has updated its review of pre-paid funeral plans. The report highlights 10 Need to Know facts about the plans and also provides a link to the new website FuneralAdvice.org, which was recently launched by SAIF. You may read the report here. SAIF has created the new website FuneralAdvice.org to provide the public with […]

Prospective new members in London & Lancashire

SAIF has received applications from prospectives member based in London and Warton, Lancashire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Note for SAIF Members in Hampshire

The Coroner’s Office in Hampshire is inviting expressions of interest from potential suppliers. Hampshire County Council, working on behalf of the Senior Coroner, is seeking to develop a new provision in early 2020. If you are interested in attending a market engagement event, please email your contact details and job title to:Professional Services Procurement Following […]

Competition & Markets Authority presentation

A recording of the Competition and Markets Authority presentation made at the National Funeral Exhibition on 8th June is now available. They provide an update on their current research into the funeral profession:

Join SAIF at a meeting near you

So many changes are happening in the funeral profession with so little time to keep up to date. SAIF Members can stay current by joining one of our regional meetings, providing answers to questions such as: What’s happening with the Competition & Markets Authority Report into the funeral profession? Will there be new regulations I’ll need to […]

Prospective New Member in Gateshead

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

Funeral Celebrancy Council launches Accord

The Funeral Celebrancy Council recently launched the Funeral Celebrant Accord, which defines the attributes and skills required of an excellent funeral celebrant and is intended to set the standards by which all celebrants offering funeral services should be measured. Read more here.

Evolve or die?

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock, previous National President, for his blog. I read today that Washington State has become the first to legalise human composting in the USA. There have been a number of alternatives to burial and cremation proposed in recent years and it will be interesting to see how long it is before we […]

1 month to go!

Message from Brian Hart at SAIF Insure “1 month to go till we begin the 100K in 24 hours Peak District Challenge! Here’s hoping that the weather picks up by then otherwise we may be using scuba gear instead! The team are entering the critical phase of training and the mileage now needs to ramp […]