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.
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”. First National Society of Allied and Independent
Funeral Directors (SAIF) CEO Terry Tennens, with National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) CEO Andrew Judd
below and Joseph Murren from SAIF Scotland and Northern Ireland over the page The funeral profession is operating in a period of significant change. Public scrutiny has increased, calls for regulation are gathering momentum, and responsible funeral directors are carrying the reputational burden created by the deplorable actions of a few. The need for a strong, credible and
collective voice has never been greater. It is a moment for leadership, collective responsibility and confidence in the value of standing together.
Leading the way for over 120 years, the NAFD is the largest trade association in the UK funeral sector. This year, we have experienced the strongest renewal rate in recent history, and our numbers continue to grow. Our strength in membership across the UK reflects a shared commitment to professional standards, effective representation and a collective vision for a sector that is progressive, inclusive and future-proofed.