Last month our columnist challenged funeral directors’ trade associations to “tell us plainly what you do, how it directly benefits funeral directors, and why we should continue to support you”. National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) CEO Terry Tennens gives his answer
SAIF is the largest UK trade body dedicated to representing independent funeral directors, with more than 1,000 members. We don’t take this size for granted, and we value immensely each and every one of our members. We are much more than merely “a club of senior figures polishing their chains”; we are a movement of small and large independently run firms – some hundreds of years old, others brand-new entrants to the sector. Run and led by independent funeral directors, our mission is to ensure each member thrives, while providing their clients with peace of mind through formally accredited quality assurance schemes and independent complaints processes.
Lobbying
A small but committed group of SAIF members plays a highly proactive role in engaging politicians and civil servants across all four nations of the UK, to give voice to your work and ensure your contribution to society is fully understood and appreciated.
This engagement is one of the reasons why the Scottish Government has delivered a statutory code of practice that has been embraced by funeral directors in Scotland. It’s why Hull MP Emma Hardy recognises and advocates that Robert Bush is not a reflection of the wider profession.
Standards
Where our members’ services and processes have fallen short, we have applied sanctions ranging from reprimands and fines to suspensions and expulsions. We have also worked with environmental health, the police and trading standards, where appropriate, to support state-backed enforcement. On the flip side, we have leapt to our members’ defence in cases of vexatious complaints, keeping misleading stories Answering the Undercover Undertaker’s challenge out of the media and protecting reputations.
Education
SAIF members have led the creation and growth of the Independent Funeral Directors’ College, which now delivers best-in-class qualifications to funeral businesses across the UK. But education doesn’t just take the form of structured learning modules. In Scotland, SAIF Scotland delivered informative roadshows to help funeral directors prepare for regulation, highlighting the value of trade association membership. All of this work ticks along quietly but its macro-impact on quality cannot be overstated.
Networking
In this digital age, it’s easy to feel connected and in tune with what is going on. But social media and online platforms have their limits. Nothing can beat face-to-face connections and lifelong friendships, often established and maintained through SAIF conferences and meetings. This is where opportunities are made and knowledge is shared. Everyone benefits.
The Undercover Undertaker raises an important point regarding the relevance of funeral trade associations in a post-regulation world.
Why pay your subscriptions to adhere to SAIF’s code of practice if a statutory code is in place? The answer to this is simple. Statutory regulation is the bare minimum. Trade association standards are the benchmark. Our framework is aimed at supporting you to be the best in the market, demonstrated to the public via the “SAIF Approved” badge of trust in your shop window.
Furthermore, let’s imagine a world without any funeral profession trade associations. Detractors might rub their hands with glee at such a prospect. But ask yourself this: without SAIF, who will speak on your behalf to the Government? To the public? To the media? Who will defend you against large corporate entities or local authorities nibbling away at your market share?
We may not get it right every time. We may not always succeed in preventing shifting market trends. But we are learning, growing and improving. And if we don’t stand up on your behalf, no one else will.