For Information on
SAIF National Bereavement Awareness
click on the appropriate button

SAIF was established in 1989 as a result of the growing disillusionment felt by many funeral directors with their traditional trade body, and in particular to help distance themselves from the aggressive acquisition and marketing techniques being widely employed by the conglomerates. Put simply, some areas of the funeral industry were getting a very bad reputation and independent funeral directors wanted to reassure the public that these practices did not apply to their businesses.

This proved to be sound judgment, as the aggressive tactics persisted, coming to a head when the American-owned Services Corporation International (SCI) acquired the two main conglomerates and subsequently had to sell all their UK interests.

In the thirteen years since its formation SAIF has become accepted as a key voice speaking and representing only the independent funeral director, and is recognised by Government departments as well as many overseas organisations. It has stringent conditions for its membership, which include demonstrating a sound trading history and suitable premises, which are inspected before membership is accepted, and all members must adhere to a strict Code of Practice, which may be inspected on this site.

SAIF also, via its committees, seeks to protect the public from any bad practice. This is controlled by regular monitoring of standards. If a member does not maintain standards then a disciplinary procedure exists which runs in conjunction with an independently managed complaints procedure.

For many, if not most people at the time of a death in the family, the reassurance and experience of an established community funeral director is a great comfort and asset. The choice of a SAIF member to handle the arrangements ensures that peace of mind.