Trident Marketing Anglia Ltd, Author at SAIF

SAIF – a cautious welcome for the CMA’s provisional decision report

SAIF has cautiously welcomed today’s Provisional Decision Report summary from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on its funerals market investigation. We are now studying the full Provisional Decision Report with a view to responding in more detail in due course. We are deeply appreciative to the Authority for recognising the challenges faced by the […]

Matthew Gallagher Achievement Award

The Independent Funeral Directors’ (IFD) College is pleased to announce a new annual award, the Matthew Gallagher Achievement Award. Matthew, who served as a college governor, assessor and verifier, had a unique ability to encourage and find something good in every student’s work. He was a master of inclusivity and vision. It is, therefore, appropriate […]

Coronavirus job retention scheme

Information from Her Majesty’s Revenues & Collections Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1st August mean that employers will need to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees from their own resources as these will not be covered by future grants. Make sure you have the latest information by joining […]

Prospective new member in Lancashire

SAIF has received an application from a prospective new member based in Lancashire with a branch in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire .Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

A huge thank you to funeral directors

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. The Office for National Statistics figures for deaths from January 1st up to 17th July this year showed that there have been just over 53,000 […]

Face coverings change for English funeral directors 8/8/20

From 8th August, funeral directors’ premises and places of worship in England will no longer be exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering indoors, according to a Cabinet Office update on 31st July. This means people visiting funeral homes will be required by law to wear a face covering in these settings. The rules state […]

Changes to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Information from Her Majesty’s Revenues & Customs From 1 August there will be changes affecting the grant employers can claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Employers will be asked to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar: Extension of […]

Prospective new member in Worcester

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

Prospective new member in Lancashire

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

Creating Covid-19 secure workplaces

Information from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) HSE has produced guidance on social distancing in the workplace, with details on common areas, workstations, movement around buildings and more. Find out more below or visit their social distancing webpage. Social distancing means keeping people apart to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Where possible you should keep […]

Rules for funerals around the UK as of 23/7/20

Here are the current rules relating to the individual areas of the UK: England Funeral directors and their clients are exempt from face coverings inside funeral homes under legislation released on 23rd July. The legislation can be viewed here. Please bear in mind that the two-metre ruling still applies between staff and clients at the funeral home, […]

HMRC Help for businesses

Her Majesty’s Revenues & Collections (HMRC) are running webinars to explain changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and how flexible furloughing. The live webinar includes: an overview of changes to the scheme, including how you can now bring previously furloughed employees back to work to suit the needs of your business an introduction to […]

NHS Test and Trace template for SAIF members

SAIF and DMAG for England have proposed that chief mourners or funeral applicants are responsible for the collection of mourner contact details for the purposes of cooperating with the NHS Test and Trace system for England. We advise funeral directors to aid the process by providing a form for the chief mourner to use to […]

‘Marketing for funeral directors during a national emergency’ – webinar on 23rd July

SAIF’s PR consultant Mark Binnersley will present a webinar entitled ‘Marketing for funeral directors during a national emergency’ at 2 pm this Thursday 23rd July. In the webinar, Mark will talk about different types of information funeral directors can share with the media and social media at a time of national health and economic crisis, providing tips […]

Measure your employees’ stress levels with tool from HSE

Every employer has a legal duty to assess and protect employees from work-related stress under the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999. Stress is a major cause of sickness absence in the workplace and costs over £5 billion a year in Great Britain. It affects individuals, their families and colleagues by impacting on their […]

Scottish funeral guidance updated

The Scottish Burial & Cremation Team has updated its guidance documents to coincide with the wider changes that have come about as a result of moving further into Phase 3 of the Route Map in Scotland. Changes include the easing of restrictions on funeral service attendance from 15 July, introduction of a maximum cap of […]

Christians working with the bereaved

Transform Work UK are pleased to announce a new sector group called ‘Christians Working With the Bereaved.’ The group is for Christians who are funeral directors, funeral celebrants, grief counsellors and others who work with bereaved people to support each other in prayer and fellowship. If you would like to join the group, please contact […]

Prospective new member in Llanrwst, Wales

SAIF has received an application from a prospective new member based in Llanrwst, Wales with branches in Colwyn BayPlease log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Prospective new member in North Lincolnshire

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

SAIF Webinar – Marketing help for funeral directors 23rd July

‘Marketing for funeral directors during a national emergency’ – webinar with Mark Binnersley, SAIF’s PR consultant at 2 pm on Thursday 23rd July. In this webinar, Mark will talk about different types of information funeral directors can share with the media and social media at a time of national health and economic crisis, providing tips on using […]

New survey considers end of life care experiences during Covid-19

The University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool and Palliative Care Institiute have launched a study into the experiences of end-of-life care during the Covid-19 pandemic, from the perspective of bereaved relatives and healthcare professionals (all disciplines, all care settings) who have provided end-of-life care. The study is an open on-line survey with the option of a qualitative […]

Prospective new member in Staffordshire

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

Online bereavement training from SAIF Member

SAIF Member Rosedale Funeral Home is planning a series of online courses for supporting bereaved people. All courses take place in the morning & are delivered via ZOOM. Supporting Those Bereaved by Suicide, Thursday 23rd July 2020 – This is an interactive online workshop that will cover how grief and bereavement is often magnified by death […]

Scotland’s Test & Protect comes into effect today

Scotland’s ‘Test and Protect – Multi-sector guidance on collection of customer and visitor contact details’ comes into effect today. This Test and Protect guidance applies across a number of sectors and services. This includes cremation authorities, burial authorities, places of worship and funeral director service rooms offering funeral services. From 15 July, premises within the […]

SAIF Member in Northern Ireland? Stay connected at our online meeting.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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

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 […]