Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Funeral Services Solutions
Established in 1989, we are a national trade association dedicated to supporting independent funeral directors across the UK. Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and community commitment within the funeral profession. With over 1,000 members operating from 1,865 sites, we provide comprehensive training, advocacy, and consumer protection to ensure excellence in funeral services. Our members adhere to a rigorous Code of Practice, ensuring bereaved families receive dignified, ethical care. We pioneered the SAIF Care bereavement support service, offering free counselling to families, and maintain a robust Consumer Protection Scheme to resolve disputes. Our ISO 9001-certified Quality Assurance Programme guarantees operational excellence.We actively engage with government bodies to shape funeral industry regulations and promote best practices. Through the Independent Funeral Directors College, we deliver education programmes to enhance professional standards. Our Associate Members provide essential products and services to the funeral profession. We champion family-owned funeral businesses against corporate consolidation, preserving local traditions. Our team combines decades of industry experience with innovative approaches to meet evolving client needs. Transparency, accountability, and client-centric values form the foundation of our operations. We are committed to advancing funeral service excellence while maintaining affordability and accessibility for all families.
Services
Funeral Director Membership
Training Programmes
Bereavement Support
Consumer Protection
Advocacy Services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience supporting independent funeral directors
- Our members adhere to a strict Code of Practice
- We offer bereavement support through SAIF Care
- We provide comprehensive training and education programmes
- Our Consumer Protection Scheme ensures client satisfaction
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
Services
Funeral Director Membership
We provide professional membership for independent funeral directors, ensuring adherence to our industry-leading Code of Practice. Members gain access to training, advocacy, and consumer protection schemes. Our ISO 9001-certified Quality Assurance Programme guarantees operational excellence and client satisfaction across 1,865 UK locations.
Bereavement Support
Our SAIF Care service offers free bereavement support through trained counsellors. Available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, this service includes online chat, telephone helpline, and email support for families who arranged funerals with SAIF members. We address emotional, practical, and psychological needs during the grieving process.
Training Programmes
The Independent Funeral Directors College delivers education programmes to maintain high industry standards. Our curriculum covers legal requirements, client care, and business management. Training ensures members meet evolving regulatory demands while preserving compassionate service traditions for family-owned funeral businesses.
Consumer Protection
Our Consumer Protection Scheme provides a robust alternative dispute resolution process. Clients receive impartial investigations and fair outcomes for complaints against members. The scheme complements our Code of Practice, ensuring accountability and trust in SAIF members' services across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Advocacy Services
We represent funeral directors' interests at national and local government levels. Our advocacy focuses on regulatory compliance, policy development, and protecting independent businesses from corporate consolidation. We engage in legislative consultations to shape funeral industry standards while maintaining community-focused service values.
People
Terry Tennens
Chief Executive
Leading SAIF since 2016, Terry champions independent funeral directors through legislative engagement and media representation. With Fellow status, he ensures members' voices are heard nationally while maintaining industry standards and supporting professional development initiatives.
Ross Hickton
National President
As National President 2025/26, Ross represents SAIF's interests at national events. A West Midlands funeral director, he focuses on raising awareness for prostate cancer through fundraising initiatives while promoting excellence in funeral service delivery.
Declan Maguire
Saif Scotland President
Leading SAIF Scotland, Declan addresses Scottish-specific legislative matters and ensures compliance with new government codes. He coordinates inspections and licensing processes for Scottish funeral directors while maintaining high service standards across regional operations.
Claire Day
Administration Manager
Managing day-to-day operations at SAIF Business Centre, Claire oversees administrative functions and member support services. She coordinates team activities and ensures efficient implementation of organisational policies across all departments.
Sharon Welford
IFD College Administrator
Administering training programmes at the Independent Funeral Directors College, Sharon coordinates educational initiatives. She ensures members access professional development opportunities that maintain SAIF's reputation for excellence in funeral service education.
Questions
How do I find a SAIF member funeral director?
Use our online directory to locate SAIF members nationwide. All members adhere to our Code of Practice and Quality Assurance Programme.
What bereavement support does SAIF offer?
SAIF Care provides free counselling via chat, phone, or email for families who used SAIF member services.
How can funeral directors join SAIF?
Applicants must demonstrate sound trading history and suitable premises. Membership includes training and consumer protection benefits.
What standards apply to SAIF members?
Members undergo ISO 9001-certified inspections and must comply with our strict Code of Practice and ethical guidelines.
How are complaints handled?
First contact the funeral director directly. If unresolved, submit to SAIF's Professional Standards Committee for impartial review.
