tridentadmin, Author at SAIF

Feedback request on the Tell Us Once service

You may be aware of the Government’s Tell Us Once service, which enables bereaved families to inform official departments, just once, of a death. It is free to use and is accessed via a Registrar. Many SAIF members may already provide Tell Us Once flyers to families to raise their awareness of the service. Officials would like […]

SAIF Members help requested for research project

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 […]

Suicide Bereavement online conference 18th November

Suicide Bereavement have announced that their 2020 conference will take place online on 18th November. The event will run from 9 am to 1.30 pm and will cost £45 +VAT per person. “Suicide Bereavement UK’s online conference will combine the Arts (i.e. poetry, artists) alongside science and lived experience to host an engaging online conference, […]

Government webinars on Coronavirus Job Retention & SSP Rebate Scheme

Information from HMRC:Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1‌‌st October mean that employers will need to fund 20% of furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours they do not work and continue to pay their National Insurance and pension contributions. The scheme closes on 31‌‌ October and you will need to make any final claims […]

SAIF members recommended to confirm mourner numbers

Who is at fault if the number number of mourners exceeds the government guidelines or is too high for a venue to be COVID secure? SAIF has heard reports of crematoria stating that funeral directors are liable to be fined in these cases. We recommend that SAIF members ask clients to sign a form to […]

Don’t forget SAIF webinar Tuesday 13th October

Improve your funeral home’s productivity SAIF Scotland Treasurer and Membership Officer, Declan Maguire will host a follow-up to his previous Tech Talk, this time focusing on how you can improve your funeral home’s productivity. Declan is excited to share his knowledge of simple to use technology which is available for internet download to add to […]

Protect vulnerable workers during the pandemic

Information from the Health & Safety Executive- October 2020 You should make sure you consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and put controls in place to reduce that risk. HSE Guidance explains what you should do as an employer to protect vulnerable workers during the pandemic. It covers the following […]

Scottish funerals and wakes exempt from new restrictions

News from the Scottish Government Funeral Industry News The First Minister announced on 7 October some tightening of restrictions including for bars and restaurants across Scotland. In specific areas of Scotland: Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley, those measures are even more restrictive. A funeral service, as well as a funeral […]

SAIF Members’ webinar Tuesday 13th October

SAIF online regional meeting 14th October at 6 pm

Join SAIF colleagues from the comfort of your office or home Usually we’d be holding our Essex and Kent meetings at this time of year and looking forward to meeting up with members in these areas. Due to the concern about public gatherings, we’ll be holding this as an online event on Wednesday 14th October […]

Carrying the cords and coffin – rules in Scotland

Update from the Scottish Government Funeral Industry News Prior to the pandemic, family members could participate in the lowering or carrying of the coffin. They were routinely assisted and directed by funeral directors or their staff in doing so. As experienced professionals, the staff’s role is to guide the process. Now, because of the requirement […]

Make your last wishes known using Listpals app

Having lost both of their fathers in a short space of time, Louise and John Magee recognised the need to talk about death and plan for it in the short, rather than long, term. Changing the existing culture in which people do not talk about death (and therefore funeral planning) is a long term goal. […]

Independent funeral directors at forefront of online price transparency

As part of SAIF’s work to help independent funeral directors thrive in a rapidly changing world, members have agreed unanimously to lead the way in improving price transparency for bereaved families. In a historic vote at a special general meeting today (6th October), SAIF has opted to incorporate online pricing as a requirement in its […]

The SAIF Winter Covid-19 Checklist

As coronavirus continues to spread within the community, we thought it might be helpful to create a SAIF Winter Covid-19 Checklist for funeral directors. It is imperative that SAIF members are prepared for a potential rise in deaths. We strongly encourage independent funeral directors to: – Ensure sufficient PPE supplies and that all items are […]

Nominations welcomed for IFD College award

Nominations are welcomed for the Independent Funeral Directors’ (IFD) College’s new 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 that this […]

Funeral supplies updated

With Covid-19 cases increasing, we have contacted our SAIF Associates to find out their current stock levels of funeral supplies. Click here for the latest information.

ITV documentary on funeral costs on 1st October

SAIF would like to alert members to a television documentary being aired this evening, 1st October, at 7.30 pm on ITV (not Wales, STV Central, STV North) about the funeral profession. Titled ‘Funerals: the true cost?’, ITV’s flagship current affairs show investigates our sector and in particular its approach to pricing. SAIF has liaised with ITV […]

1 day left to respond to CMA Provisional Decision Report

Thank you to our members who have responded to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about their Provisional Decision Report. SAIF believes that the proposals are a threat to independent funeral directors with ‘one-size-fits-all’ regulation. If you have yet to do so, please email the CMA Funeral Market Investigation Panel Chairman, Mr Martin Coleman at funerals@cma.gov.uk, specifically giving your […]

Is your funeral business Covid secure?

From 28th September, it is a legal requirement for all businesses in England to operate in a Covid Secure way. This includes onsite at your premises and when offsite, for example, visiting a residential home to take a deceased person into your care. Please note that businesses which fail to operate in a Covid Secure way, if […]

Prospective new member in Derbyshire

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

Your business could be under threat from CMA proposals – make your views known.

Prospective new member in Rhondda Cyon Taf

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

Create a coronavirus NHS QR code for your venue

Use this Government service to create a QR code for display in your venue (in England and Wales). Get visitors to scan the QR code when they arrive, using the NHS COVID-19 app. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). You should create and display a QR code if you […]

Respond to CMA Provisional Decision Report by 1st October

How does the Rule of Six apply to funerals and wakes?

In recent days, all governments around the UK have banned gatherings of more than six people. In general, funeral services are exempted from these rules, however, the restrictions have their own local differences and we encourage SAIF members to read relevant local information, which can be found here: – England (funeral service mourner numbers capped at 30 but […]

Take advantage of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme by 15th September

SAIF members are encouraged to consider taking advantage of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which is aimed at offering six-month job placements to people aged between 16 and 24 who are on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment. On this issue, Scottish members should defer to SAIF Scotland, which is coordinating applications locally, whilst details […]

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 member in Belfast

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

HSE Covid-19 inspections

SAIF Members should be aware that the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out spot inspections to ensure all workplaces are COVID-secure as coronavirus cases continue to rise in certain areas. HSE is contacting businesses to provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers but where some employers are not managing this, […]

IFD College award now open for nominations

From 1st September, nominations are welcomed for the Independent Funeral Directors’ (IFD) College’s new 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, […]

CMA Provisional Decision Report update

Thank you to members who contacted the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about extending the deadline for responding to their Provisional Decision Report (PDA). The deadline has been extended to 5 pm on 1st October. We have more time but we still need your help to ensure that the voice of the independent funeral director […]

The future of YOUR independent funeral business is at stake.

Dear Member, We need your urgent help. Following publication of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Provisional Decision Report (“PDR”), the future of the independent funeral profession is at stake. We urge you to read this information fully and take action on, for your own business future and that of the independent funeral sector. Please […]

HSE tools for safe working during Covid-19

The Health & Safety Executive has provided a huge range of resources to help employers keep their staff safe whilst working during Covid-19. These include: Risk Assessment Advice on making your work place Covid-19 secure Cleaning, hygiene and sanitiser Protecting vulnerable workers

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme changes from 1st September

This information is from Her Majesty’s Revenues & Collections: From 1‌‌ September Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will pay 70% of usual wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work. You will still need to pay your furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages for […]

Prospective new member in Mid Glamorgan

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

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

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 […]

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.

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 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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]