By SAIF Scotland and Northern Ireland (SSNI) Scottish Government liaison and quality assurance officer Joseph Murran.
The Undercover Undertaker questioned the need for association membership.
We had to consider that in SSNI two years ago and we recognised that the then-current message being promoted was for a single benefit. We shifted our focus away from assessments and emphasised providing support for our members across all areas of their business. As government representatives would be inspecting funeral directors, we cancelled our assessment programme, except for new members or in response to a serious complaint.
- We changed our code of practice to mirror the Scottish Government code
- Improved our communication with members, making it two-way
- Addressed the need for education with an annual education day for all members
- Improved technology to address continuous improvement
- Examined our criteria for membership to focus on skills as well as facilities
- Were more ruthless in ensuring existing and future members met the exacting standards for SSNI.
- Continued to support members with local issues and areas of concern from clients, PR guidance, legal and emotional.
- Continued our open and transparent relationship and discussions with the Scottish Government
To ensure all members understood the requirements of the government code and how SSNI could help, we organised local information roadshows across the country, which attracted over 80% of members. We also offered an on-site inspection along similar lines to the government inspection as a free member benefit.
This refocusing resulted in an increase in our membership as funeral companies recognise their need for association support. SSNI was the first UK association to demand that its members have their own refrigeration. Access to refrigeration became a requirement under the government code, in line with our standards.
The question – do we need trade associations – is now being asked of the rest of the UK. Leaving aside all the other benefits, SSNI provides the answer: clearly, yes. In fact, there has never been a greater need for an organisation to represent independent
funeral directors.
Who else will ensure you are informed and up to date with any government code of practice or licence requirements, and assess the implications for your business?
Who else will assist with implementing necessary change with sample processes and templates?
Who else will monitor your business to ensure it is compliant before the government inspector calls? And most importantly, who else will represent you and protect your interests in future discussions with the government? If not SSNI or National SAIF, then who?
The large co-ops and corporate groups all have their own in-house support and do not need the help of outside organisations, so they may be considered to have an advantage over independents. SAIF will help level the playing field by providing a far superior support network.
The funeral sector is going through massive change, and the last ten years have brought us a more demanding and inquisitive public. We have seen the emergence of new companies offering limited product lines that meet the needs of a segment of the public. We see start-ups that ignore the emotional needs of the bereaved. And we see unscrupulous companies and individuals acting in ways that appal the vast majority of professional, caring, and sensitive funeral directors.
Do independent funeral companies need an association like SSNI and National SAIF? Never more so.