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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. 

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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, […]

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

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 […]

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

Prospective new member in Cornwall

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

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.

Funeral consumer standards review launches second consultation

The Funeral Service Consumer Standards Review has launched the second stage of its two-part consultation, focusing on proposals to improve transparency and standards within the funeral sector. According to the independently-chaired, industry-led project, funeral consumers are not always equipped with the knowledge they need to obtain the funeral services they require at a fair price. This means […]

Join the SAIF versus SAIF Associates Golf Match 2020

This year’s event will take place on 20th and 21st May with two days of golf on the Kent coast at the links of Prince’s Golf Club.  We’re looking for Funeral Directors to join the SAIF team and Suppliers/services to join the SAIF Associates team. Doesn’t matter what golf handicap – fun, food and fellowship is […]

Prospective new member in Fife

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice

Public Health England has produced guidance on Coronavirus infection prevention and control guidance, which may be accessed here: Public Health England advice The relevant section for funeral directors is available on the Members’ area: Login to the Members’ area Use this link

Prospective new member in York

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

Scottish funeral support payment to be increased

Extra support will be made available for people on low income benefits to pay for the cost of a funeral. The Funeral Support Payment’s rate for expenses such as funeral director fees, a coffin, and flowers, is to be increased from £700 to £1,000 for all applications received from 1 April. The Funeral Support Payment […]

Prospective new member in South Yorkshire

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

Families reassured over death certification delays

Bereaved families concerned about not completing death certification documentation within the legal time limit are unlikely to face sanction if the delay relates to doctors failing to process paperwork in time. A recent meeting of the Burial and Cremation Advisory Group (BCAG), chaired by the Ministry of Justice and attended by SAIF’s Government Liaison Officer […]

Free information session for SAIF Members on 5th March

“Funeral experts by experience: what matters to them” with Dr Sarah Jones SAIF is delighted that Dr Sarah Jones of member company Full Circle Funerals will present on the research findings she reported in collaboration with Dr Julie Rugg of the University of York’s Cemetery Research Group.  The research explored in detail the funeral experience […]

Prospective new Associate member in Bucks

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

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.

Scam warning for SAIF Members

Members may be surprised to learn that our friendly sea captain is still sailing the world trying to find a funeral director to help him with his poor wife. A typical email is something like this: “I’m a captain of a fishing vessel and am on sea right now. I will like to use your […]

Prospective new member in Co Durham

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

Self care resources available for SAIF Members

Members who missed the January webinar are able to download the recording plus useful resources from the presenter Sue Monkton-Rickett at the Association of Christian Counsellors. Login to the Members’ area Then use this link

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.

Prospective new member in Derbyshire

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

Prospective new member in Somerset

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

SAIF appoints Rowland Brothers International as repatriation helpline partner

Members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) are able to access a new helpline providing advice on the repatriation of people who have died overseas. The free-to-members service is being operated by repatriation experts Rowland Brothers International and is offered without obligation. It means independent funeral directors approached by families […]

Ensuring our duty of care to staff as well as clients.

SAIF thanks Paul Allcock for his thoughts. As we reflect on 2019 it was for most funeral services a quieter than normal year. This may have resulted in many independent companies being concerned as to why their own number of funerals arranged was lower than normal. Many will have been concerned that the tactics of […]

Designing SAIFInsight for funeral directors

The SAIFInsight team is planning a refresh and redesign of your magazine. We know that SAIFInsight is reaching the vast majority of Independents – more than 90% of you tell us you are regular readers and saifinsight.co.uk reaches over 1,000 monthly visitors – and we want to ensure you get the most value possible from […]

Prospective new member in West Lothian

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

CMA publishes market investigation papers

SAIF is pleased to see the publication today of a set of research and working papers by the Competition and Markets Authority, as part of its funerals market investigation. The papers cover possible approaches to regulation of funeral directors, price transparency, back of house standards, and much more. We encourage members to read the documents […]

Public Health England guidance on the Coronavirus

Public Health England have produced guidance on Wuhan novel coronavirus (WN-CoV) infection prevention and control guidance which may be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-wn-cov-infection-prevention-and-control-guidance The relevant section for funeral directors is copied here: 20. Handling dead bodies the act of moving a recently deceased patient onto a hospital trolley for transportation to the mortuary might be sufficient to expel […]

Public is being confused by seriously flawed funeral cost research

Independent funeral directors today argued that recent research on funeral prices by SunLife is seriously flawed and has potentially overstated the typical cost of a basic send-off by more than £1,000, causing unnecessary concern and confusion amongst the public. Following a snap poll of more than 100 members of the National Society of Allied and […]

SAIF Members invited to Cornwall Bereavement Network

SAIF has received this information from Penhaligon’s Friends, a charity which supports bereaved children, young people, parents and carers throughout the county. They offer children and young people the chance to meet others and share their experiences, as well as practical resources for children and parents. Penhaligon’s Friends would like to invite you along to […]

SAIF promotes impartial funeral advice

SAIF is encouraging members to include a link on their websites to FuneralAdvice.org, the association’s online portal for information about the funeral process. The website includes details about what to do when someone dies, choosing a funeral director, arranging a funeral and what happens afterwards, plus other topics. An ideal place to include a link […]

Prospective new member in North Yorkshire

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

Funeral arrangements for Matthew Gallagher

Following the sad news of the death of Matthew Gallagher, we are able to announce details of the funeral. Matthew was one of SAIF’s brightest rising stars and was actively involved in SAIF Charter and the Independent Funeral Director’s College. Loved and respected by colleagues across the funeral profession, Matthew died on Sunday, December 29 […]

Prospective new member in Hull

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

Prospective new member in Torrington, Devon

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

SAIF Associate elected President of suppliers’ association

Bob Tomes, senior account manager at SAIF Associate Colourful Coffins, was recently elected President of the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (FFMA). The election took place at the group’s AGM in November and sees Bob replace Adam Masters, who has held the FFMA Presidency for the past two years. The Association, which exists to represent businesses […]