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SAIF’s Winter Covid-19 Contingency Plan

SAIF has launched a Winter CoVid-19 Contingency Plan to support our members during this extremely difficult time. The new dedicated support service is available free of charge to all members using a new platform – the SAIF Slack app for smartphones, tablet and PCs. What is the SAIF CoVid-19 Contingency Plan? A dedicated team of funeral […]

Humber Snipe limo required in Merseyside area

One of our members is looking to hire a Humber snipe limousine for a funeral service in the Sefton/Merseyside area on 14th January. If you can help, please contact Iain Dean at info@deanbros.co.uk Many thanks.

SAIF Members’ online pricing toolkit

As mentioned in SAIFinsight, SAIF has provided an online toolkit for members to help with the move to online pricing. Members may read the toolkit here. Remember to login to the Members’ area for the link to work. Please contact SAIF Business Centre if you’re unable to login to the Members’ area. In addition to […]

Beware of vaccine scam

This advert is being circulated – please note that this is not from the NHS and is a scam.

Prospective new member in Somerset

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

Funeral workers to be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccine

We are incredibly pleased after extensive petitioning with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the devolved governments alongside colleagues at DMAG and the Cabinet Office that frontline funeral workers will be prioritised for the vaccine. Please see page 11 of this Public Health England guide for details.

SAIF Members’ webinar

Join us for the next in our series of webinars to help members prepare for online pricing. SAIF Associate Member Chris Elwood of Comtecs will present the next webinar on 13th January. Prepare your website for online pricing The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have now published their final report into the funeral profession. As […]

Happy New Year from SAIF

SAIF wishes all of our Funeral Director and Associate Members a happy and successful 2021. During this extremely busy and stressful season, rest assured that we are here to support you, so please contact us if we may of help. Telephone: 0345 230 6777 Email: info@saif.org.uk Members’ area of website The new Slack information platform […]

Appeals process for staff in critical services told to self-isolate

There is an appeals process for staff employed in critical services (which includes the funeral sector) who have been told to self-isolate due to being a close contact of a person testing positive for Covid19: Self-isolation due to close contact:If NHS Test and Trace identify you as a contact and you work in a critical […]

SAIF Member is awarded British Empire Medal

SAIF is delighted to report that Member Martin Rowley of Rowley and Sons Family Funeral Services in York has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). Martin was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours List published on 30th December. He will receive the award at a ceremony at a later date. […]

Changes to funerals in Tier 4

England – In Tier 4 areas, funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people and must only take place in Covid-19 secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances. Please note, linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 […]

SAIF webinar recording now available

As part of our ongoing webinar series to help members move to online pricing, Greg Clay of Funeralguide gave a useful presentation on why members should improve their online presence, how to do this and the benefits of joining an online comparison website. Greg noted that the number of people searching for a funeral director […]

In time of test, family is best

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock for this blog. Paul is Past President, Government Liaison rep and long-standing member of the Executive Committee. The primary concern for many businesses at this time is their viability in an ever-changing world. But for funeral directors, perhaps any threats are not from a tragic virus, but from the many external […]

Prospective new Probationary member in Devon

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

Prospective new member in Merseyside

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

IFD College celebrates 25 years

Congratulations to the Independent Funeral Directors (IFD) College which is celebrating 25 years of training for the funeral profession. The college has units of training to suit every employee, from the part time driver/bearer to the full time Funeral Director. Training designed for anyone just entering the funeral profession or those who have been employed […]

SAIF’s Christmas opening hours

Terry, Claire, Corinne, Sam, Maria and Angela wish our members all the best for the Christmas season. The office will be open at these times: Monday 21st – Wednesday 23rd December 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Thursday 24th December 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Friday 25th December Bank Holiday Monday 28th December Bank Holiday Tuesday […]

Keeping SAIF Members up-to-date on Brexit

The team at SAIF Business Centre is closely following the Brexit negotiations and analysing developments for any possible impacts on independent funeral directors. There will undoubtedly be a combination of specific and non-specific ramifications for the funeral profession. We will be all relevant information by an email Brexit Bulletin to Members, beginning with 9th December. […]

Message from The White Dove Company

After several conversations with DEFRA regarding the Avian Influenza (bird flu), they have now updated their conditions so The White Dove Company are now able to fly their birds if not based in a desease controlled zone.

Message from The White Dove Company

Due to a serious outbreak of Avian Influenza – as from Monday 14th December 2020 all captive birds in England, Scotland and Wales are to remain inside until further notice and guidance from (DEFRA) the UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.  Therefore, it is with regret that we can no longer offer […]

SAIF Member Events

The winter months will undoubtedly be more challenging this year than in any previous one. In addition to expected higher than usual death rates due to Covid-19, the profession is preparing for potential government regulations with the move to transparent online pricing. To help you meet the new demands, we are offering regular online events: Member […]

Largest suicide bereavement survey discussed on BBC News

SAIF recently highlighted the ground-breaking research on suicide with the accounts of more than 7,000 people who have been affected by someone taking their own life in the UK.   Led by the University of Manchester in collaboration with the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP), the research is the largest suicide bereavement survey internationally. The […]

Prospective new member in Kent

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

Prospective new Associate member

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

National Grief Awareness Week 2nd to 8th December

This annual national event is driven by The Good Grief Trust, the UK’s leading umbrella charity, bringing all UK bereavement services, support organisations and helplines together under one central database. Offering early signposting to a choice of support for both the bereaved and those working with them. They aim to normalise grief and get people […]

SAIF Member webinar tomorrow at 3 pm

We continue to support SAIF Members to move online with our next webinar, to be presented by Ciarán O’Toole of Golden Charter on 1st December at 3.00-4.00pm. More than 1,600 independent funeral directors are already benefitting from listing on localfuneral.co.uk, a free to use website created by Golden Charter, designed to connect you directly with […]

Ground-breaking research on suicide published

At the SAIF Education Day in 2018, Dr Sharon McDonnell shared news of ground-breaking research on suicide. The study went on to capture the accounts of more than 7,000 people who have been affected by someone taking their own life in the UK and its findings have been published this week.  Led by the University of Manchester in collaboration […]

Prospective new Associate Member in Berkshire

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

SAIF Member webinar 1st December at 3 pm

We continue to support SAIF Members to move online with our next webinar, to be presented by Ciarán O’Toole of Golden Charter on Tuesday 1st December at 3.00-4.00pm. More than 1,600 independent funeral directors are already benefitting from listing on localfuneral.co.uk, a free to use website created by Golden Charter, designed to connect you directly […]

Extra support for SAIF Members

SAIF Member Support Call – Thursday 26th November at 9 am SAIF has been sending regular email bulletins to keep members updated of restrictions, guidance and advice on running your funeral business but we’re keen to do more to support you. That’s why we’re introducing a SAIF Members Support Call, a chance to hear the […]

With a little help from my friends (and competitors)

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock, SAIF’s Government Liaison rep, Past President and long-standing Exec Committee Member for his words: As I write we appear to be entering the second wave of COVID-19 infections. There are varying tiers of restrictions across the UK which are changing at regular intervals. So how do we keep right up to […]

New SAIFCare website

SAIFCare has recently launched a useful new website – www.saifcare.org.uk The SAIFCare bereavement support package is available to clients of all SAIF Members who wish to access grief care and bereavement support. which includes a telephone bereavement careline and email support. Clients are able to access trained and qualified staff provided by Professional Help Ltd, Monday […]

Prospective new Associate in Hertfordshire

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

New support service for North Central London

Support After Suicide (SAS) have launched a new local service to support those bereaved by suicide. Operating across the 5 boroughs of North Central London (NCL) (Camden, Islington, Haringey, Barnet and Enfield), it is provided by the national charity, Rethink Mental Illness (commissioned by Public health teams across the 5 boroughs). It offers to those […]

SAIF welcomes new members

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, SAIF is still able to accept and process membership applications. We are delighted to welcome these Members who have joined since August 2020: Alexander Davidson and Sons Funeral Director based in Loanhead, Midlothian      Anthony Johnson Funeral Service based in Rossendale, Lancashire             Dewi Glyn Jones Funeral Directors based in Llandudno, Conwy    Durrant Funeral […]

Gain access to emergency funeral staff

As a small independent funeral company, do you have a contingency plan for emergency staff arrangements if members of your team are self-isolating or unwell? SAIF Scotland are developing a contingency plan in conjunction with the Scottish Government. This enables independents who wish to be part of the scheme access to emergency staff for 24-72 […]

Prospective new member in Northumberland

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

Suicide Bereavement online conference – 18th November

Don’t forget to book your place at the Suicide Bereavement UK 2020 online conference. The event will highlight the experiences and perceived needs of over 7,000 people bereaved or affected by suicide (largest suicide bereavement survey internationally). It runs from 9 am to 1.30 pm on 18th November and the cost is £45 per person. […]

SAIF webinar recording available

If you missed Mark Binnersley’s recent webinar, a recording is now available to watch. The webinar addresses the issue of online pricing, which is now a requirement of SAIF membership (effective from 31/3/2021). SAIF’S Code of Practice was recently updated to include online pricing. The aim is to help independent funeral directors avoid the pain […]

SAIF Members – having difficulties with Covid tests?

SAIF has been contacted by a number of members in relation to Covid tests, with some advising that they are privately purchasing equipment such as antigen tests due to challenges around getting tested via official channels. Others are deploying tools such as thermometer guns to conduct daily temperature checks on staff. SAIF is keen to […]

Beware of phishing scams

From Her Majesty’s Revenues & Collections Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV‌‌.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 6‌0599.   

Reporting coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on when and how you should report coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) apply to all sectors and workplaces in Great Britain. You should only make a report under RIDDOR, relating to coronavirus, when: an accident or […]

Two SAIF online meetings today

We have two important meetings running today. Please register your place if you’ve not already done so: SAIF Members’ Webinar at 2 pm SAIF Scotland Meeting at 6 pm

Prospective new member in Co.Durham

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

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme update

From Her Majesty’s Revenues & Collections The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which was due to end on 31‌ October, will now be extended, with the UK government paying 80% of wages for the hours furloughed employees do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 for periods from 1 November. You will need to pay […]

Central cremation service availability portal launched

The Deceased Management Advisory Group (DMAG), of which SAIF is a leading member, produced a Lessons Learned Report following the first wave of the pandemic. It contained a number of recommendations, including that: A UK wide central cremation service availability portal is developed, and its adoption encouraged. This has now been made available and it is […]

SAIF Scotland online meeting 5th November

SAIF Scotland will be holding an online meeting at 6.00 pm on Thursday 5th November and all members are encouraged to join.  The agenda and minutes from the previous meeting will be circulated by email in due course. Find out more here and book your place.

Funeral guidance in Scotland changes from 2nd November

The Scottish Government has updated its three main guidance documents for the funeral industry to account for the new system of local protection levels, introduced from today, 2nd November. The documents can be viewed here and include: funeral director guidance funeral services guidance burial and cremation authorities guidance Scotland’s Strategic Framework sets out the different levels of […]

Launch of national suicide bereavement report at online conference

Suicide Bereavement UK have announced that the national suicide bereavement survey report will be launched at their 2020 online event on 18th November. The event will highlight the experiences and perceived needs of over 7,000 people bereaved or affected by suicide (largest suicide bereavement survey internationally). It runs from 9 am to 1.30 pm on […]

Funeral directors’ service to nation recognised by Government

SAIF, along with members of DMAG, have received an official letter of thanks to funeral professionals for the sterling work they continue to do for bereaved families during the pandemic. The letter, from Alex Chalk MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, said: “I know that you and your members have been working extremely hard […]

Employer updates from HMRC

Info from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs: Read the Employer Bulletin (October 2020, Issue 86) which includes all of the latest COVID-19 updates to help you continue to meet your payroll obligations to HMRC, including recent government announcements of additional support for businesses and employees. Also inside is the latest update on both the Coronavirus […]

SAIFCare Chat – bereavement support for all SAIF Member clients

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock for this thoughts. Paul is our Government Liaison, long-standing Exec Committee Member and Past President. Over the years there have been many individual countries that have had to deal with life changing events. Be those through war or natural disasters. However, the effect of COVID-19 is the first time that the […]

28th October deadline for contribution to bereavement leave research.

SAIF has been contacted by Mathew Crawley who has worked in bereavement services for over 20 years. He is currently undertaking a research project into the provision of statutory bereavement leave within the workplace, through the University of Northampton as part of a dissertation for his Masters Degree. Mathew is asking the question ‘What causes […]

Zero VAT rate on PPE ends on 31st October

SAIF advises members that the temporary zero VAT rate on PPE introduced in May 2020 is due to end on 31st October. Therefore members may wish to consider placing orders for additional stock sooner rather than later in order to take advantage of the exemption period and save 20% on costs.  Products covered by the zero rate […]

Prospective new member in Somerset

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

Funeral coronavirus policies explained

The Ministry of Justice has kindly provided a table which explains the different funeral policies in relation to coronavirus across England, Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland is to follow). Please note that this is subject to change and SAIF will endeavour to provide updated versions as and when changes occur. We also advise members to regularly monitor the […]

Tech Talk recording now available for SAIF Members

If you were unable to join our recent webinar with Declan Maguire, a recording of the session is now available: SAIF Members may login to the Members’ area Then use this link In the session Declan showcases a customisable mortuary book which he set up on Trello, a free to download software app. The digital […]