SAIF independent funeral directors

10/09/2026

More speakers have joined the programme for SAIF National Education Day 2026.

Karen Dry, lead spokesperson for families affected by the events in Hull, William Vineall, Director at the Department of Health and Social Care will join us in Leicester on Saturday 10 October.

Members will also hear from our sponsors and commercial partners

• Liam Gladwin from Westerleigh Crematorium on hospitality and personalisation
• Jill Hood from Golden Charter Funeral Plans on research-led marketing
• Stuart Ridley from Obitus on funeral arrangers

They join Mark Wrigley Head of Regulation for the Human Tissue Authority, Helen Chandler, Andrew Purves on , Chaplain Ahmed Alsisi the power of aftercare, Tom Poynter Campaign and Fabiola Franco Member toolkits

The day will also include contributions from the Independent Funeral Directors College and the IFD College Awards.

View the programme and register 👉 https://lnkd.in/e3TFkJCe

We’re grateful to our platinum sponsors and commercial partners for supporting this year’s event:

• SAIFInsure
• Westerleigh Crematorium
• SAIF Probate, delivered by Laurelo
• Golden Charter Funeral Plans
• Obitus
• MuchLoved

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04/09/2026

One week to go until SSNI Education Day!

We’re looking forward to welcoming members and colleagues from Scotland and Northern Ireland to Stirling for professional insights, practical ideas and opportunities to connect.

📅 Saturday 12 September 2026
📍 Stirling Court Hotel
☕ Arrival, registration, tea and coffee from 9am
🕤 Programme begins at 9.30am
🕟 Event finishes at approximately 4.30pm

Refreshments and a one-hour lunch break will be provided during the day.

The optional dinner takes place on Friday 11 September at 7pm, the evening before Education Day, and costs £35 per person at Stirling Court Hotel.

There’s still time to book: https://tinyurl.com/ynccrv8z

01/09/2026

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper has today released an encouraging written statement reaffirming the Government's plans to formally regulate the funeral sector.

SAIF welcomes the Minister’s commitment to working with the profession to develop proportionate regulation and her explicit acknowledgement that the vast majority of funeral providers offer compassionate, professional care.

The Minister promised to "bring forward comprehensive proposals to ensure respect and dignity for the deceased in every setting, to drive rogue operators out of the funeral industry, and to protect other families from suffering this same heartache".

She also stated that the Law Commission will "undertake a review of the criminal law in relation to the deceased, consider any gaps in existing legal protections and make recommendations on the creation of new offences, if they are needed".

We at SAIF remain committed to working with the Government and bereaved families to ensure regulation protects both the public and the overwhelming majority of funeral directors who see high standards as a non-negotiable part of their service.

Read the full statement here:

Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.

30/08/2026

Grief is personal and it can change over time. There is no single right way to experience it.

gives us a chance to talk more openly about grief and remind people that support is available.

SAIF Care offers free, confidential bereavement support to people under the care of a SAIF funeral director. People can speak to someone by telephone, email or online chat.

We also recognise the impact this work can have on funeral directors and their teams. SAIF Wellbeing offers guidance and resources to support those who care for families every day.

Together with our wider campaign, these services help families, members and their teams access support and trusted guidance when they need it.

28/08/2026

Recent discussions around funeral regulation have raised understandable questions from families and funeral directors.

What does SAIF membership mean? How are standards monitored? What reassurance does membership provide?

Our article explores the difference between government regulation and SAIF's professional oversight, and what this means in practice for families and funeral directors.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2u49mnpt

20/08/2026

The funeral profession continues to change, from significant developments to smaller shifts in how families choose to say goodbye.

SAIF National Education Day will bring members and colleagues together to explore these changes and share practical guidance to help independent funeral directors respond with confidence.

Meet some of the speakers joining us:

🗣 Mark Wrigley, Head of Regulation at the Human Tissue Authority (HTA)
🗣 Chaplain Ahmed Alsisi, Founder White Rose Funerals
🗣 Helen Chandler, General Manager at Kindly Earth
🗣 Andrew Purves, Chief Operating Officer at William Purves Funeral Directors
🗣 Tom Poynter, National Campaign Lead
🗣 Fabiola Franco, SAIF Digital Marketing Lead

Topics will include HTA standards and security, funeral aftercare, resomation in the UK, the latest from and SAIF’s digital resources.

We’re grateful to our Platinum sponsors and commercial partners for supporting this year’s event

• SAIFInsure
• Westerleigh Crematorium
• SAIF Probate, delivered by Laurelo
• Golden Charter Funeral Plans
• Obitus
• MuchLoved

Their support helps us bring members together to learn, connect and share practical guidance. You’ll be able to meet their teams at Education Day, alongside a range of exhibiting SAIF Associate members.

You’ll also have the opportunity to support your CPD and reconnect with colleagues from across the profession.

📅 Saturday 10 October
📍 Leicester Marriott Hotel

More speakers will be announced soon.

Book your place: https://tinyurl.com/2tz4j2kd

19/08/2026

💬 "People making decisions about funeral arrangements, body donation or other end-of-life choices need clear and accurate information from the outset."

Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, commenting on today's ASA ruling concerning A Love of Humanity, a human tissue donation service operated by Fenix Biomed BV.

This is the third ASA ruling in recent months to highlight the importance of transparency, understanding available options and informed consumer choice.

People and families deserve clear, accessible information when making important end-of-life decisions.

Read SAIF's response: https://tinyurl.com/5s4ry2yv

SAIF welcomes a new ASA ruling highlighting the importance of clear, transparent information for consumers considering end-of-life services and body donation.

18/08/2026

Meet some of the speakers joining us at SSNI Education Day

Hosted by Declan Maguire, our Future of Funerals panel will feature Ed Lane from Westerleigh Crematorium, Chris Wilson from Golden Charter Funeral Plans and Funeral Sector Consultant Rachel Bradburne.

Together, they’ll explore how funerals are changing, what families may expect in the future and how funeral businesses can prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Inspectors of Funeral Directors will also provide an update on the ongoing inspection programme and outline the inspectorate’s future priorities.

The wider programme will include speakers exploring social media and its growing role within the profession.

📅 Saturday 12 September 2026
📍 Stirling Court Hotel

Attendance is free for SAIF members and Associates. Non-members can attend for £20 per person. An optional evening dinner is also available for £35 per person.

📺 Watch the video: https://tinyurl.com/bp6mczff
🎟️ Book your place: https://tinyurl.com/23m9rf45
📩 For event and booking enquiries, email: [email protected].

18/08/2026

Every life is unique. Every goodbye should be too.

When someone dies, it's not always easy to know where to start. Taking time to speak with a local independent funeral director can help you understand your options and make the choices that feel right for you and your family.

Find out more at: https://handledwithcare.org.uk

17/08/2026

What does SAIF membership mean in practice?

For families, it means choosing a funeral director who is committed to professional standards, regular inspection and independent oversight.

Our latest article explores what SAIF membership means, how it differs from government regulation and why informed choice remains so important.

As discussions around funeral regulation continue, SAIF is engaging with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and supporting proportionate regulation that protects families while recognising responsible independent funeral businesses.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2u49mnpt