Blog & Views

One of the best ways a funeral director can demonstrate to bereaved families they care about standards is to be a member of a trade association, like SAIF, and adhere to a code of practice.

The Competition & Markets Authority this week released the findings of its consumer research into the funeral profession. Read our response here:

SAIF welcomes today's call from the Royal College of Physicians for doctors to start early conversations about death with patients and families. A change in culture could help people to better plan their funeral arrangements and make funerals less of a distress purchase.

We're very excited about the upcoming SAIF Education Day on October 31. We've got some fantastic speakers lined up including James Daley, of Fairer Finance, who featured on ITV Tonight's recent documentary on funeral plans. Limited spaces remain. To book: https://saif.org.uk/events/saif-education-day-2018-31st-october-2018/

Read our thoughts and advice following last night's ITV documentary #paynowdielater. https://saif.org.uk/2018/10/funeral-plans-talk-to-a-funeral-director/

There are lots of good reasons to choose a SAIF member to conduct a funeral & here a few we like: 1. They're independent and family run 2. Offer better value than large chains 3. They adhere to a strict code of practice https://saif.org.uk/why-choose-a-saif-member/

One of the best ways funeral directors can improve the care they provide to families is to ensure their staff are qualified. Read more about our accredited training courses below.

SAIF Care is a free bereavement counselling service for families who use the services of a SAIF member. Find out if there's a participating funeral director near you here:

We think there are five things you should do before you die: 1. Make a will 2. Record your funeral wishes 3. Plan your future care and support 4. Register as an organ donor 5. Tell your loved ones your wishes Find out how, here: https://saif.org.uk/funeral-advice/preparing-ahead/

Funeral directors have feelings too. Read a personal and moving blog from SAIF Member Inez Capps. https://bit.ly/2xIttGu

The funeral profession should be regulated to help ensure high standards across the board and improve transparency of ownership of funeral homes.

SAIF believes all funeral directors should adhere to a code of practice. That’s why we have added our voice to calls for regulation of the funeral profession across the UK. Read more here:

Royal London's National Funeral Cost Index 2018 shows independent funeral directors’ fees are around 10% lower than large corporates. We encourage families to shop around to avoid paying more than necessary for a funeral. Read more here:

Tune into Mike Graham and Katie Perrior on @TalkRADIO at noon today to hear SAIF member John Weir talk about the work of #funeraldirectors. #funerals

It's fantastic to see so many SAIF members nominated for this year's Good Funeral Awards. The very best of luck to: Coles Funeral Directors, DJ Bewleys Funeral Directors, Guy Elliott, Tributes Ltd, Wessex Funeral Services, LifeArt Coffins, Rounce Funeral Services, Rosedale Funeral Home, Button & Family Funeral Services, Rowland Brothers, Holmes and Family, Full Circle Funerals, Scattering Ashes, GriefChatUK

Well worth listening to BBC Radio 4's A Life's Work programme. David Holmes of SAIF member Holmes and Family does a fantastic job of explaining the work of the funeral director. Very interesting.

Rob Protheroe, of DJ Protheroe, is possibly one of the "coolest" independent funeral directors around. He's kindly donated 20 fans to his local hospital to help patients and staff keep cool during the heatwave. Well done, Rob, a brilliant gesture.

We're calling out Co-op boss Steve Murrells for claiming on Sky News' Ian King show that Co-op Funeralcare is leading the way on funeral prices. Our research shows independent funeral directors offer better value than large groups and are more transparent with clients.

For advice on dealing with stress, join SAIF's webinar with Dr Sunil Raheja at 2pm on 25th July https://bit.ly/2tvPbvi

We're really looking forward to what's set to be a fabulous summer party tomorrow! The weathers set to be hot, but the drinks are cold.... Tickets WILL be available on the kiosk on the day, so if there's any last minute members who would like to join in the fun, just turn up on the day. Please note, TICKETS WILL NEED TO BE PAID FOR IN CASH at this late stage. Just some handy info for those who are joining us; Ladies, it's advisable to wear flat shoes given the uneven surface of the cave. Ladies and Gents, a jumper might be advisable by evening as the temperature inside the cave can drop a little, although nothing too cold given the time of year. If approaching from Sheffield/Chesterfield direction, please be advised that the nearby village of Hathersage has it's annual Gala, and the road will be closed from 1.45-2.45pm Diversions might be in place, but essentially head to Grindleford, up toward Tideswell, and down through Bradwell which will bring you back onto the road up to Castleton. If you're coming in from the Manchester direction, there are no such problems, you want the Winnats Pass which will bring you right into the heart of the village. S33 8WP in your Sat-Nav will bring you to the Peak Cavern Car park, where you'll find an ALL DAY CAR PARK banner, this is where you're best off parking we'd suggest. Once again, we look forward to welcoming you all to the SAIF SUMMER FAMILY FUN DAY!