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Formaldehyde restricted across Europe

The UK funeral profession has three years to seek alternatives to formaldehyde or change how it approaches viewing the deceased, after the European Parliament voted in favour of adding formaldehyde to its list of restricted carcinogens and mutagens. Formaldehyde, used in embalming fluid, has been linked to cancer as well as being an irritant. The […]

SAIF’s Technology Task Group encourages members

SAIF has launched a new pioneering work group, in the form of the SAIF Technology Task Group. Following research among members, the task group decided to focus on the gap analysis of internal software, from operations to telephone systems; technology training courses; and digital and online marketing. The research revealed that only 59% of respondents […]

Prospective New Member in Wolverhampton

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

Need training in professional funeral skills?

The International Funeral Directors’ (IFD) College is a virtual college founded in 1995 to provide practical training to anyone working in the independent funeral profession. The training is tailored to suit anyone working in the industry, from a part time driver to a full funeral director. It is also suitable for those who have just entered the profession or funeral […]

Adrian follows in father’s footsteps at SAIF Member company

A Birmingham funeral director is maintaining a family tradition after qualifying at the same firm his father served for more than 35 years. Adrian Cant has completed the final steps to qualify in the senior role at SAIF Member Mortons Funeral Directors and recently took charge of his first funeral. His Dad, Andrew, retired as […]

SAIF Webinar: developing a mental health wellness plan

Many of us will be joining a gym or starting a new fitness regime in the New Year, but how many of us will consider a plan for our mental health? Mental health support is important in all work environments, but it’s even more pertinent for staff working in the funeral profession. The emotional stress […]

Notice of SAIF’s Annual General Meeting 2019

This is notice of the SAIF Annual General Meeting which is to be held on Saturday 30th March 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Resort – Five Lakes, Colchester. At the meeting, we will be announcing new members of our National Executive Committee. The role of the committee is to act as the governing institution of […]

SAIF Subscriptions for 2019 are due today

We thank all of our members who have completed their subscriptions renewals for 2019 and remind all other members of the 31st December deadline.  Remember that renewals and/or payments can now be made online. Simply login to the Members’ area and renew  your SAIF membership here. If you don’t have your renewal documents or can’t login […]

Happy Christmas to SAIF Members

SAIF wishes all our members a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2019, although we know for many of you, this will be far from a period of relaxation and fun. Please remember that our seasonal opening hours will be:  Monday 24th December – 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Friday 28th December – 10.00 […]

The statistics of Christmas sprouts

Christmas statistics, and in particular, about Brussels sprouts, were featured in a recent article with BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright. Pete Benton, Director of Data Collection at The Office for National Statistic (ONS) was interviewed by Steve and gave this information: Supermarkets sell approximately 750 million individual Brussels sprouts at Christmas time, but if you estimate how […]

Direct cremation or a simple funeral?

The last 12 months have seen many businesses promoting very strongly their offering of a direct cremation. Indeed, there are many who see this option as a way of keeping the costs of a funeral as low as possible in this time of funeral poverty.  I have read it being championed by media and businesses alike […]

SAIF meets CMA to discuss their Interim Report

This week a delegation from SAIF met with the senior officers who conducted the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) Interim Report on the at-need funeral sector, specifically of concern to SAIF is their review of funeral directors’ pricing, online transparency and consumer protection. This review needs to be taken with all seriousness by all SAIF […]

HMRC Guidance on paying staff over festive period

SAIF has received this guidance from HMRC:  We know that some employers pay their employees earlier than usual during the festive period, this may be due to the business closing for Christmas and New Year. If you do pay early, please report your normal payment date on your Full Payment Submission (FPS). For example: if you pay […]

Competition & Market Authority’s Interim Report update

Dear SAIF Members, Last week we informed you about the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) Interim Report that was published. The report was written primarily from an economic perspective, about the pricing data. The positive of that view is it considers the needs of the consumer, the weakness of a purely economic outlook is that it […]

SAIF Subscriptions due on 31st December

We thank all of our members who have completed their subscriptions renewals for 2019 and remind all other members of the 31st December deadline.  Remember that renewals and/or payments can now be made online. Simply login to the Members’ area and renew  your SAIF membership here. If you don’t have your renewal documents or can’t login […]

HMRC guidance on Statutory Sickness Pay

Do you know if your employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay? Whether you’re a new or experienced employer, there’s plenty of free online help available from HMRC. You can join their live webinar (online presentation), where you can ask questions using the on-screen text box: Statutory Sick Pay: You’ll learn what to do when an […]

Alun Tucker F.SAIF is new Chief Exec at FFMA

SAIF National President, Alun Tucker, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (FFMA). The FFMA represents more than 50 nationwide businesses involved in the manufacture of coffins and caskets and other goods supplied to the funeral profession. In recent years, the organisation has developed a rigorous testing protocol which has resulted in […]

Problems with Members’ login

Please accept our apologies but Members are currently unable to login to the Members’ area. This is due to technical problems which our web team is trying to resolve.

Salford Council launches low cost funeral service

Salford City Council recently launched an affordable funeral service, which it claims will be £1,500 cheaper than the national average. The council took action after the Salford Fair Funerals Campaign and Salford Citizens Advice called on councillors to do more to tackle funeral poverty. The new services is the latest in a growing trend among […]

SAIF Christmas opening hours

Our seasonal opening hours will be:  Monday 24th December – 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Friday 28th December – 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Thursday 27th December – 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Normal hours will resume from Wednesday 2nd January 2019.

Last posting dates for Christmas

 Please note last posting dates for Christmas 2018 are: 18th December – 2nd class 20th December – 1st class 22nd December – Royal Mail Special Guarantee  

SAIF announces toolkit to help your business stand out digitally

With intense competition from big budget large chains and agile start-ups, there has never been a greater need to ensure potential clients can easily discover your business in the digital space. Thankfully, there’s a range of exciting, user-friendly and free technologies at your fingertips, which allow you to do just this. To help you better position your business online, […]

Festive fun had by SAIF Members at Wales Christmas meeting

SAIF Members enjoyed a fantastic Christmas meeting at St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed last Friday. The venue provided an excellent meal with a high quality service and the generous Welsh members raised £310 for National President, Alun Tucker’s charity of the year: Great Ormond Street Hospital.

SAIF Members promote the independent funeral way on BBC local radio stations

Funerals are a popular news item at the moment and some of our members were interview on BBC local radio stations to talk about the changing nature of funerals into a positive time of celebration rather than the more traditional sombre approach. Past President, Gemma O’Driscoll, was interviewed on the ‘Dot Davies’ show on BBC Wales. The […]

Prospective new member in Carlisle, Cumbria

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

Important reminders from SAIFinsure

SAIF thanks Brian Hart of SAIFinsure for highlighting the following issues which SAIF members need to be aware of, whether insured with SAIFinsure or not. Number Plates One of the idiosyncrasies of the Funeral Profession is that many businesses look to reflect the personal nature by means of a personalised number plate for their hearses, […]

SAIF’s response to the CMA interim report on the funeral sector

Comments to SAIF Members from Chief Executive Terry Tennens: Today, the profession we cherish has received a wake-up call. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its interim report on its review of the funeral sector. The document includes a series of findings which give cause for reflection and full market investigation is now […]

SAIF Subscriptions for 2019 are being posted

SAIF Business Centre is posting Annual Subscription Renewal packs during the week of 26th November. Payment is due by 31st December with members able to pay online, BACS or cheque. If you don’t receive your information pack by 7th December, please contact SAIF on 01279 726777.

Bookings open for SAIF’s 2019 AGM Banquet Weekend

Plans are well underway for a fantastic weekend on 29th to 31st March at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Essex. As usual, the weekend will include a guest speaker on the Friday afternoon, the AGM meeting and banquet on the Saturday and the installation of new officers on the Sunday. Join National President Alun Tucker […]

Tuesday 27th November is Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is the day to do good stuff for charity. It arrived in the UK in 2014 and has gone on to become one of Britain’s biggest days for charities, raising millions of pounds for good causes. Find out more.  

IFD College announces new training partnership with BIFD

 The Independent Funeral Director’s (IFD) College and British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD) have teamed up to simplify the journey to becoming a qualified funeral director. By joining forces, the IFD College and the BIFD are able to offer a range of vocational and academic courses accredited by One Awards and the University of Greenwich. […]

SAIF Members note new password system

In the next week, SAIF will be introducing a new password system for logging into the Members’ area of the website. The change is for data security purposes.  When the updated system goes live, to login in: Type in your email address Press ‘Forgotten Password’ You’ll be emailed a link to create a new password […]

Church of England Parochial fees update for 2019

The Church of England Table of Parochial Fees (including for Funerals, Burials and Monuments), has been updated to take effect from 1st January 2019. The table of fees is available to download from the Church of England website here or SAIF members can login to the members’ area and use this link. 

Prospective new member in Norwich, Norfolk

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

Buy your copy of best selling book by SAIF Member

If you’re looking for information on how to help families better personalise funerals, this great new book by Sarah Jones, of SAIF member Full Circle Funerals, is just the ticket. It’s currently a best seller on Amazon no less! Get your Kindle version here or your paperback copy here. Sarah Jones started her career as a surgeon in the […]

The changing colours of funerals by Paul Allcock

SAIF thanks Past President Paul Allcock for this month’s ponderings on changes happening within the funeral profession: Black or Not Back in 2002 I had a lengthy discussion with my father over whether we should change our company funeral fleet to silver from black.  His opinion was that the local folk of Norwich and Norfolk […]

SAIF Members in Wales – get ready to sparkle at the Christmas Meeting on 30th November

SAIF members in Wales are warmly invited to the annual meeting and Christmas Dinner in Wales. This year’s event will take place at St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed on Friday 30th November. Our National President Alun Tucker is looking forward to welcoming as many local members as possible. Please book your places by Friday 16th November either online […]

Stay up to date with HMRC free online support

As we’ve highlighted on many previous posts, there is an abundance of online information and guidance available from Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs (HMRC). The support includes online guides, YouTube Clips and webinars  In addition to this support, HMRC are now providing automated email updates. Your business may receive these updates by responding to this […]

SAIF prospective member in West Midlands

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member with branches in Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Cradley Heath and Stourbridge, West Midlands Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

New law supports all families who suffer the loss of a child

New workplace rights to give paid leave to those who have suffered the loss of a child and ensure they are treated compassionately by employers were set out by the government recently: Parents and carers will be eligible for new workplace right to paid leave when they suffer a loss of a child under 18 […]

SAIF teams up with National Counselling Society to improve bereavement support

 A new partnership between two leading professional associations aims to improve counselling and support offered to people following a bereavement.  SAIF and the National Counselling Society (NCS) have teamed up to develop a set of guidelines to ensure vulnerable people in a state of grief are able to access care more quickly and from trusted […]

New Medical Examiners will be implemented in two phases

The UK Government announced in the summer of 2018 that the Medical Examiner (ME) implementation plan will commence in April 2019. The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) is leading the project with the President of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCOP) as the lead authority to train and equip MEs across England and […]

SAIF members join forces to preserve independence

SAIF Member Redscar Funeral Home in Preston recently merged with SAIF Member R Banks & Sons (Funerals) Ltd in Wigan to become one of the largest independent, family-owned and operated funeral directors in the area. Joining together means that the companies can retain their core values and beliefs and remain independent. Brian Halliwell, Managing Director […]

SAIF’s Excellent Education Day in Leicester

Around 140 funeral director members, associate members, speakers and staff attended SAIF’s excellent Education Day at Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Stadium yesterday. A wide variety of subjects were covered providing useful updates for funeral director members, including an introduction by SAIF Member Sarah Brodie to the new SAIF Technology Group. Attendees found the event very informative, […]

SAIF Members – are you confused about Statutory Payments?

Are you confused about Statutory Payments? Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs (HMRC) have produced some useful online resources: Online guide to ‘Statutory Sick Pay’ Free, interactive webinars where you can ask questions using the on-screen textbox: 5th November – Statutory Sick Pay: The webinar will show you what to do when an employee goes off sick, […]

SAIF Members – is your ownership transparent to the public?

SAIF requires that ‘members must prominently display details of the ultimate ownership of their business both outside and inside each premises and on all literature, business stationery and on all advertising and promotional material’ – 2.4 SAIF Code of Practice. We often receive enquires as to the clarification of what determines ‘ultimate ownership’: You must […]

Is the future of funeral directing in the classroom?

SAIF thanks Ollie Christophers of F Christophers & Son Ltd for this article Working in the funeral profession isn’t something you get much information about in school. The occupation seems to be absent from career days and none of the skills you learn during Activities Week are particularly applicable in a mortuary. Three months into working […]

SAIF’s response to the Competition & Markets Authority report on the funeral profession

The Competition and Markets Authority recently released the findings of its research into the funeral market, along with a summary of responses from organisations, businesses and the public, of which SAIF was one.  The papers point to cultural norms dictating the way the funeral market works, rather than a conspiracy by the funeral profession to […]

SAIF Member raises record-breaking £43,000 for local children

Daniel Robinson & Sons in Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire, is better known for its reputation as a local independent family funeral director, but once a year it becomes first class charity fundraisers when it holds its annual charity golf day.  This year, on Wednesday 12 September, 35 teams took part in the golf day, held at […]

Last chance to buy tickets for SAIF’s Education Day

Time is running out to buy tickets for SAIF’s Education Day at Leicester Tigers Rugby Football ground on 31st October. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from: Ann Chalmers, Child Bereavement UK presenting on ‘Addressing Children’s Funerals from the Funeral Director’s Perspective’ Dr Heather Conway explaining ‘Conflict in Families’ James Daley, Managing Director of Fairer […]

SAIF Members – need help with getting PAYE right?

Do you need to find out about your PAYE filing obligations and getting payroll right? Try the multiple sources of online information available from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Short HMRC video on ‘payroll software and sending reports to HMRC’. Live webinars using the on-screen text box. These are coming up soon: 29th October – Getting […]

SAIF responds to CMA consumer research findings

This week the Competition and Markets Authority released the findings of its research into the funeral market, along with a summary of responses from organisations, businesses and the public, of which SAIF was one. The documents are well worth reading, if you have a few spare hours. Whilst they confirm much of what we already […]

Learn from a Child Bereavement expert at SAIF’s Education Day

SAIF is delighted that Ann Chalmers, Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UK will be presenting at our Education Day in Leicester on 31st October. Ann has been involved in the multidisciplinary training of professionals in the area of loss and bereavement for more than 25 years.  There will also be the chance to hear from […]