SAIF independent funeral directors

24/12/2025

🎄 Continuing our festive messages this Christmas Eve, Chris Parker, Past President and Fellow, sends her Christmas Eve wishes to SAIF members — with the hope that Christmas morning brings rest, not call-outs.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas.

23/12/2025

🎅 🎄 To kick off our festive messages this Christmas, SAIF Chief Executive Terry Tennens sends his thanks to members for the care and support they provide to their communities.
Warm wishes for a peaceful Christmas.

17/12/2025

💙 SAIF Wellbeing | A gentle reminder this festive season 💙

For many in our profession, the festive period can be one of the most demanding times of the year. While others slow down, funeral professionals often carry heavier workloads, heightened emotions, and the quiet pressure of being “the strong one” for everyone else.

At SAIF, we want to remind you that support is there for you too.

If you’re feeling stretched, exhausted, or simply not yourself:
• Take a moment to check in with yourself
• Reach out to a colleague you trust
• Make use of the free, confidential SAIF Support service

📞 SAIF Support: +44 800 077 8578

Available to SAIF members and their staff for emotional and mental health support.

Looking after others starts with looking after yourself. Even small pauses matter — a walk, a conversation, a few minutes of breathing space.

If this post resonates, consider checking in on a colleague as well. Sometimes a simple “How are you really doing?” can make all the difference.

You’re not alone — and you never have to carry it all by yourself. 🤍

16/12/2025

We welcome the Government’s interim response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations. This is an important step forward for the funeral sector. SAIF is committed to working collaboratively with government and all stakeholders to shape a regulatory framework that works for everyone.

Our proposal for a co-regulatory approach—phased, proportionate, and built on genuine partnership—remains central to our engagement. We’re actively working within the Funeral Services Regulatory workgroup to ensure that independent funeral directors’ voices are heard and represented in this crucial conversation.

Read the Government’s interim update on Phase 2 recommendations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuller-inquiry-government-interim-update-on-phase-2-recommendations/interim-update-on-government-progress-in-responding-to-the-fuller-inquiry-phase-2-report -accepted-in-full

03/12/2025

SAIF welcomes the laying of legislation before the Scottish Parliament to permit Alkaline Hydrolysis - also known as water cremation - in Scotland. This marks an important step towards expanding choice, improving environmental options and strengthening public confidence in how emerging technologies are introduced into the funeral sector.

Independent funeral directors have long supported meaningful, safe and dignified alternatives for families at the point of need. The introduction of Alkaline Hydrolysis would offer a gentle method of disposition that aligns with modern environmental values while maintaining the highest standards of care for the deceased.

We commend the Scottish Government for progressing this work and for engaging collaboratively with the funeral profession, faith communities, environmental bodies and regulators, ensuring that the framework brought before Parliament reflects a balanced and responsible approach.

As the legislation proceeds through scrutiny, SAIF will continue to work constructively with MSPs, government officials and inspection bodies. Our focus remains ensuring that any new method is introduced with clear regulation, transparent information for families and strong professional safeguards.

The laying of this legislation is a positive and welcome development for personal choice and environmental progress in Scotland’s funeral landscape, and SAIF is pleased to support this important stage in the parliamentary process.

14/11/2025

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Mrs Margaret Burgess of J. J. Burgess & Sons last weekend.

Mrs Burgess dedicated more than 60 years to the funeral profession, continuing the family business after the death of her husband in 1987. She led with strength, dignity and quiet determination throughout her long career.

A proud SAIF member since 1989, Mrs Burgess remained an integral part of the Burgess family firm throughout her life. Her professionalism, warmth and unwavering dedication left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of meeting her. Her legacy continues through her son, Justin, and her grandson, Jack — the 6th and 7th generation proprietors.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday 22nd November at 1pm, at St Etheldreda’s Church, Hatfield (AL9 5AL).
All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Our thoughts are with the Burgess family, their colleagues and their community at this difficult time.

13/11/2025

A fantastic turnout last night at the SAIF Newcastle meeting, with 33 members and associates filling the room for a lively and positive evening.

We heard an excellent presentation from Catherine Betley on the untold trust points of independent funeral directors—a timely reminder of the strength and value our members bring to families every day.

George Roberts, National Executive Member of SAIF, followed with a really useful session on managing complaints, offering practical insight that resonated with many in the room.

Congratulations to Dawn Laing, winner of the raffle prize, drawn with the help of SAIF’s 1st Vice President, Gary Staker.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a vibrant and engaging night for SAIF members in Newcastle.

09/11/2025

03/11/2025

In our latest episode of Before You Go, Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director of Hickton Family Funeral Directors, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF.

Together, they discuss what it means to lead a family business through four generations, the evolving landscape of independent funeral care, and Ross’s vision for the future of the profession.

This episode offers an insightful look at leadership, legacy, and the balance between tradition and innovation in one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors.

Listen now on Spotify: https://ow.ly/krf450XkMiZ

29/10/2025

SAIF Statement: Parliamentary Debate on Funeral Regulation

29 October 2025

This week, Parliament held a debate on the regulation and inspection of funeral services across the UK. During the discussion, Simon H***e MP acknowledged the valuable contribution of independent funeral directors and recognised the constructive role that SAIF continues to play in shaping future regulation.

SAIF welcomes the recognition of the professionalism and public service demonstrated daily by independent funeral directors throughout the country. The debate also underlined the complexity of implementing the full recommendations from the Fuller Inquiry — a challenge SAIF has highlighted to Government.

Our position remains clear: regulation must be proportionate, practical, and focused on protecting bereaved families and ensuring minimum standards for the care of the deceased, while supporting the continued success of small, family-run funeral businesses.

SAIF will continue to engage closely with the Ministry of Justice, other Government departments, and key stakeholders within the funeral sector to ensure that the voice of funeral directors is clearly heard and properly represented as the next steps are developed.

🔗 Read the full Hansard debate – 27 October 2025 - https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-10-27/debates/EFE63E8D-F5E8-45C7-A2F4-9649E85CC590/RegulationAndInspectionOfFuneralServices

23/10/2025

SAIF National President Ross Hickton visits East Lothian’s newest crematorium

SAIF National President Ross Hickton visited the impressive new Westerleigh East Lothian Crematorium this week to experience first-hand the next generation of funeral technology — including the fully immersive audio-visual system by Obitus.

This remarkable setup gives families a truly personal experience, allowing music, images, and video to come together in a moving and meaningful way — helping celebrate lives exactly as they were lived.

It’s fantastic to see continued investment in facilities that place family experience, dignity, and choice at the heart of every service.

📍 East Lothian Crematorium
🎥 Powered by Obitus
🤝 In partnership with Westerleigh Crematorium