SAIF independent funeral directors

10/08/2026

Understanding your options starts with a conversation.

Through , we're encouraging people to ask questions, access trusted guidance and make choices that feel right for them and their families. Every life is different, and every goodbye should be too.

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

07/08/2026

New vacancy: Funeral Arranger (Full-time) | Leverton & Sons

Leverton & Sons is seeking a compassionate, organised and customer-focused Funeral Arranger to provide branch support, cover and administration across its funeral branches and Head Office.

📅 Applications close: 30 August 2026

Find out more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/5n84hm4b

Did you know? SAIF members can advertise vacancies through the Members' Area and selected SAIF social media channels as part of their membership benefits.

07/08/2026

Choosing a SAIF funeral director means choosing a business committed to professional standards, inspection and accountability.

There’s a lot of jargon around funeral regulation. Our latest article explains what SAIF membership means in practice and how SAIF’s professional oversight differs from government regulation.

SAIF members must follow the SAIF Code of Practice, undergo inspections and provide families with access to an independent complaints process.

We’re engaging with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) as proposals are developed. SAIF supports strong, proportionate regulation that protects people who have died and their families while recognising responsible independent funeral businesses.

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

06/08/2026

Time away from the day-to-day.

Will you join us in Leicester this October?

We know how difficult it can be to step away from the day-to-day running of an independent funeral business.

SAIF National Education Day offers time to learn, share ideas and connect with fellow members and colleagues from across the profession.

Add Saturday 10 October to your calendar and book your place: https://tinyurl.com/2tz4j2kd

06/08/2026

Thank you to everyone supporting the President's Biggest Coffee Morning ☕💙

It's been wonderful to see so many SAIF members and Associate members bringing colleagues, families and local communities together in support of Parkinson's UK, SAIF National President Gary Staker's Charity of the Year.

We've loved seeing the photographs you've shared, along with some fantastic fundraising ideas, from cake sales and raffles to community events.

Independent funeral directors are at the heart of their communities, and it's been wonderful to see members opening their doors, starting conversations and supporting an important cause.

There's still plenty of time to get involved throughout the year. From hosting an event to taking an hour with your team over a coffee, every contribution helps support the incredible work of Parkinson's UK.

Thank you for your generosity, support and community spirit.

Donate today: https://tinyurl.com/49ctubst

05/08/2026

Members from Scotland and Northern Ireland are invited to come together for the SSNI Education Day in Stirling.

The day will offer opportunities to learn, exchange ideas and connect with colleagues from across the independent funeral profession.

📅 Saturday 12 September 2026
📍 Stirling Court Hotel
🎟 Free for SAIF members and Associates
🎟 £20 per person for non-members
🍽 Optional evening dinner for £35 per person

Book your place: https://tinyurl.com/23m9rf45

This event is managed by SSNI. Please send event and booking enquiries to 📩 [email protected]

04/08/2026

SAIF has recently contributed to coverage across BBC Radio 5 live, Times Radio and regional BBC radio.

Thank you to SAIF National President Gary Staker, Executive Member Becky Horton and SAIF CEO Terry Tennens for representing independent funeral directors and sharing our commitment to care, accountability and professional standards.

Our thanks also go to SAIF members who’ve contributed to other media coverage and continue to advocate for integrity, care and dignity across the profession.

Listen to the latest coverage using the links below:

🗣️ Gary Staker, SAIF National President

📻 BBC Radio 5 Live, 1 August at 6.15am

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zr9w

🗣️Becky Horton, SAIF Executive Member

📻 BBC Radio 5 Live, 31 July at 11.49pm

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zjjv

📻 BBC Radio Humberside, 3 August at 7.39am

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zdbt

🗣️ Terry Tennens, SAIF CEO

📻 BBC Radio 5 Live, 31 July at 12.28pm

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zjjl

📻 Times Radio, 31 July at 5.38pm

🔗 https://www.thetimes.com/radio/show/20260731-34490/2026-07-31

📻 BBC Radio 5 Live, 1 August at 3.53am

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zjjx

03/08/2026

On Friday 31 July, SAIF met with the Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC to discuss its approach to funeral regulation and the next steps for the profession.

We’re encouraged by the DHSC’s engagement with the funeral profession and its considered approach to future regulation.

Its update featured comments from SAIF Government Liaison Paul Allcock, reinforcing the need to protect people who have died and their families while recognising independent funeral businesses.

We’ll continue representing members and keeping their care, professionalism and community role at the forefront.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2kzuyk5r

31/07/2026

The Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC has today announced that it will develop proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector following the sentencing of Robert Bush in the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors case.

Our thoughts remain with the families affected by this deeply distressing case.

SAIF welcomes the Government’s commitment to engaging with the funeral profession. We’ll continue working with the DHSC and Ministry of Justice to help shape proportionate and effective regulation.

Any future framework must protect people who have died and their families as a priority. It must also uphold standards, preserve family choice and recognise the needs of small and medium-sized independent funeral businesses.

Paul Allcock, SAIF Government Liaison, has contributed to the Government’s release on behalf of SAIF.

Read more:

Urgent work to take place to protect bereaved families.

31/07/2026

Following Robert Bush’s 20-year sentence at Hull Crown Court, our thoughts remain with the families affected by his crimes and the wider Hull community.

We made a conscious decision to wait until the hearing concluded before commenting, allowing us to consider the full proceedings, victim impact statements and final sentencing remarks.

We hope the sentence provides some measure of justice, although it cannot undo the harm caused.

We’re calling for proportionate regulation covering every funeral provider, with licensing, professional standards, accountability and independent inspection.

SAIF members already choose oversight through inspections, the UK Funeral Director Code and an independent complaints process.

Read SAIF’s full response:

SAIF has responded following the sentencing of Robert Bush at Hull Crown Court. Bush was sentenced to twenty years after pleading guilty to 67 offences connected with his operation of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Hilliard said: “No sentence I pass can...