SAIF independent funeral directors

SAIF independent funeral directors The UK's largest funeral trade association, SAIF represents over 1,000 independent funeral directors.

The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) is a trade association which represents over 950 independent, often family run, funeral directors across the UK. The purpose of this page is to provide support, guidance and advice on all aspects of organising a funeral. SAIF funeral directors are not part of a larger national group but are privately owned and managed. In fact, many have been run by the same family for generations and are some of the oldest businesses in their community. Independent funeral directors are known for their high standard of service, a personal approach tailored to your individual needs and competitive pricing. They are fully committed to supporting their local community 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year in anyway they can. SAIF funeral directors follow a strict Code of Practice and are regularly inspected to ensure they are maintaining these high standards. By choosing a SAIF member when the need arises, you can be sure you will receive the high quality service you deserve during a difficult time. In addition to representing independent funeral directors, there are also an additional 100 Associate Memberse who supply products or services to the funeral profession.

25/12/2025

🎄 Bringing our Christmas messages to a close, Ross Hickton, SAIF National President, shares his wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.

25/12/2025

🎄 Christmas wishes from Gary Staker, 1st Vice President.

With thanks to SAIF members for all they do, and best wishes for a restful, happy Christmas Day — however you’re spending it.

25/12/2025

🎄 Christmas morning wishes from our Chair of Quality assurance Simon Helliar-Moore (and Sebastian the Christmas Elf).

With thanks to all SAIF members and the SAIF team for the care and support you give all year round.

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

đź’™ SAIF Wellbeing | A gentle reminder this festive season đź’™

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

đź“ž 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. 🤍

We welcome the Government’s interim response to the Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations. This is an important step fo...
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

SAIF welcomes the laying of legislation before the Scottish Parliament to permit Alkaline Hydrolysis - also known as wat...
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.

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

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

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Bullfields
Sawbridgeworth

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+441279726777

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