KEEPING THE WHEELS IN MOTION - SAIF Golden Charter
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THE VOICE OF INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS October 2018 | NO. 205
KEEPING THE
WHEELS IN MOTION
EDUCATION DAY IS FOCUSED ON
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENTS
FUNERAL
PLANNER OF
THE YEAR
WINNERS
PAGE 26
COVERAGE
OF THE
SAIFCHARTER
AGM 2018
PAGE 24
Your new SAIFInsight is packed with the latest news and features, with
the best business advice, education and training, plus a handy directory
CONTENTS
F E AT U R E S
24 08 20
FUTURE FOCUSED EDUCATION DAY NEXT GENERATION
Full coverage of this This year’s SAIF event will Contacts and friendships
year’s SAIFCharter AGM centre on the topics most are forged at the SAIF Next
and the Funeral Planner relevant to independent Generation meet and greet
of the Year Awards funeral directors right now in Edinburgh
REGULARS C O N TA C T S
08 38 PUBLISHERS
SAIF
EDITORIAL
Claire Day, co-editor
REPORTER NEW MEMBERS SAIF Business Centre claire@saif.org.uk
This issue is packed with A warm welcome to all 3 Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth Michael Fern, co-editor
all the latest news, new SAIF members Hertfordshire CM21 9DB michael.fern@
including the official Telephone: 0345 230 6777 goldencharter.co.uk
opening of a crematorium, National President:
the new IFD College 40 Alun Tucker
PRODUCTION
Produced by:
schedule and a merger aluntucker@hotmail.com
BUSINESS MATTERS Chief Executive:
Connect Publications
of two Independents (Scotland) Ltd
Advice on everything that Terry Tennens
concerns your business, Managing Editors:
terry@saif.org.uk
David Cameron
from the HSE to the benefits Scottish President:
20 of SAIF membership Paul Stevenson
david@connect
communications.co.uk
NEXT GENERATION paul@funeral-scotland.co.uk
Roisin McGroarty
All the latest from the roisin@connect
SAIF NextGen group
44 GOLDEN CHARTER
Head Office
communications.co.uk
DIRECTORY Design: Ryan Swinney
Canniesburn Gate
To get in touch with a Golden Bearsden G61 1BF
Telephone: 0141 942 5855 ADVERTISING
Charter representative,
36 or to find your local Chief Executive Officer:
Advertising sales:
Jane Deane
SAIF AGM SAIF Associate, our Suzanne Grahame jane@connect
Book your spot now for the comprehensive listings suzanne.grahame@ communications.co.uk
SAIF AGM and Banquet section is the place to go goldencharter.co.uk Telephone: 0131 561 0020
To include news and pictures in future issues of SAIFInsight, please contact Claire Day at SAIF or Michael Fern at Golden Charter, contact details above
The publisher encourages readers to support the advertisers in SAIFInsight but cannot be held responsible for any claims made or implied in
the advertisements. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising.
Any opinions expressed in SAIFInsight by contributing writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. While every
reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contributed to SAIFInsight, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the
publishers for any loss arising from use of published information. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent.
Articles and pictures for inclusion are welcomed but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for their loss or damage, however caused.
2 3
LEADER
Focus on
Focus on
what you
what you
you
TERRY TENNENS
SAIF CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Upholding the UK Independents’
do best.
do best.
best.
highest professional standards
In this time of transition, our industry must be alert to meet each new challenge to ensure
we thrive and survive in a future of changing technology, regulation and customer expectation
D
ear friends, horror stories of funeral homes not in
This year continues to see an a trade association, it brings the rest of
increase in the pace of change TRANSITION IS the profession into disrepute. We can no
While
While
While
While SAIF
SAIF
SAIF
SAIFpromotes
promotes
promotes
promotes and
and
and
and protects
protects
protects
protects
across not only the funeral
profession, but business and society in THE WORD FOR longer allow decades of your brilliant
service to be ruined by rogue operators
THESE TIMES IN
your independent interests.
general. While clients will predominantly that are unaccountable to the public.
your
your
your
independent
independent
independentinterests.
interests.
interests. THE FUNERAL
still telephone your offices, it is evident We will be consulting with members
the customer journey is changing in the over what type of regulation will best serve
light of digital technology. For that reason, PROFESSION the consumer and optimise proportionate
we encourage SAIF members to ensure: Terry Tennens checks and controls for our members in
Firstly, that your digital identity – your order to ensure scandals of unscrupulous
firm’s website – is optimised and matches funeral price and traditional funeral funeral firms are weeded out of the sector.
your firm’s identity. It is important to share service fees. This will be uncomfortable
your values and ethos as a family funeral for many, for good reasons. The fact some Looking to the future
We know how much you value your independence. service, and include – on your site’s ‘about national chains display their pricing ‘from’ I would also like to give a warm welcome
We WeWe
know
know
know how
howhowmuch
much
much you
you
you
value
value
value
your
your
yourindependence.
independence.
independence. us’ section – information about your staff’s and then add various services, means it’s to our sister association’s new CEO, Dr Jon
The funeral industry may have changed but our passion for supporting our members training, qualifications and passion to serve, not a like-for-like comparison. SAIF is Levett, as he commences his role at the
TheThe
has The
funeral
funeral
funeral
remained industry
industry
industry
the may
same.may
may
have
Wehave
have
changed
changed
changed
represent but
but
you but
our
on ourour
passion
the passion
passion
issues forfor
thatsupporting
forsupporting
supporting
matter, our
fromour
our
members
members
members
improving subject to their agreement. It may also be advocating to the CMA and Treasury, National Association of Funeral Directors,
hashas
has
remained
remained
remained
understanding thethe
ofthe
same.
same.
same.
funeral WeWeWe
represent
represent
pricingrepresent youyou
you
ononthe
to influencing onthethe
issues
the issues
issues
that
that
legislation that
matter,
matter,
matter,
which from
from
from
improving
affectsimproving
improving
your future.
beneficial for staff to share their interests in the submissions we have made, for a and congratulate Graham Lymn for being
outside of work, including information on common standard of pricing across the a fine interim CEO during this transition.
understanding
understanding
understanding of of
funeral
offuneral
funeral
pricing
pricing
pricing
to to
influencing
to
influencing
influencing thethethe
legislation
legislation
Let us take care of the big picture so you can focus locally on what you do best. legislation which
which
whichaffects
affects
affects
your
your
your
future.
future.
future. their community service and engagement. funeral sector and more specification to ‘Transition’ is indeed the word for
LetLetLet
usustake
ustake
take
care
care
care
ofofthe
ofthe
the
big
bigbig
picture
picture
picture
sosoyou
soyouyou
cancancan
focus
focus
focus
locally
locally
locally
ononwhatonwhat
what
youyouyou
dodobest.
dobest.
best. At Education Day, the SAIF Technology the component part of the fees. these times in the funeral profession.
For over 20 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of Taskgroup will highlight how they The recent Royal London funeral price We will be defined by how well we navigate
ForFor
For
over
over
independentover
2020years
20years
years
SAIF
funeral SAIF
SAIF
has
has
has
been
been
directors.been
promoting
promoting
promoting
Supporting and
ourandand
protecting
protecting
protecting
members isthethe
atthe
interests
interests
the interests
heartand and
of and
values
values
values
ofofofwe
everything intend to support your firms in this survey conveyed that Independents are, uncharted waters. It takes conviction to
independent
independent
independent funeral
funeral
funeraldirectors.
directors.
directors.
Supporting
Supporting
Supporting ourourour
members
members
members is is
at is
at
the
at
thethe
heart
heart
heart
of of
everything
of
everything
everything
wewewe direction, from toolkits to SAIF associate on average, 10% better value than their believe in the values we stand for.
do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future. members who can offer support. competitor conglomerates, and deliver As leaders across the Independents
do,do,
do,
listening,
listening,
listening,
responding
responding
responding and
and
and
engaging
engaging
engaging totosecure
tosecure
secureyour
your
your
independent
independent
independent future.
future.
future. Secondly, there are a number of higher satisfaction levels for their personal we will need agility of thought and action.
comparison and review websites – some service. The SAIF PR Committee is hard We will also require the courage to embrace
Join SAIF now: visit saif.org.uk or of which are associate members of SAIF. at work to promote the service and value a future of changing technology, customer
Join
Join
Join
SAIF
SAIF
SAIF
now:
now:
now:
visit
visit
visit
saif.org.uk
saif.org.uk
saif.org.uk
ororor We would like to bring to your attention of Independents. expectations and Government rules.
call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279 726 777 Golden Charter’s localfuneral.co.uk We have survived the changes which
call
call
call
ususus
on
onon
0345
0345
0345
230
230
230
6777
6777
6777
oror01279
or01279
01279726
726
726
777
777
777 It is currently free to all SAIF members, Regulation occurred in the 1980s and we continue
whether you are a SAIFCharter member or SAIF has called for the regulation of to survive and thrive as independent
not, and we would recommend registering funeral directors across England, Wales and family funeral services in the 21st
your firm and trialling the service. and Northern Ireland, to follow in the century, because of our preparedness to
Thirdly, following dialogue with footsteps of the Scottish Government, adapt and seek the highest level of care
Scottish and UK Government departments where the regulated model will be and professionalism.
over the past two years, it is time for our discovered in early 2019 and deployed Seek excellence in all you do.
member firms to put their prices on their by the end of 2020. Best wishes,
websites. Many SAIF members have been SAIF’s Code of Practice originated
doing this for the past decade, however, in consultation with the Office of Fair
with the scrutiny from the Competition & Trading, which was subsumed into
Markets Authority (CMA) market study on the CMA. SAIF’s Quality Assurance
transparency, pricing and competition, the Programme seeks to ensure our members
National Executive Committee strongly provide a high standard of care to the
urges members to display their simple client and the deceased. With media terry@saif.org.uk
5
COMMENTARY
SUZANNE GRAHAME
GOLDEN CHARTER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Time for action
At the SAIFCharter AGM, Golden Charter’s future direction was laid out
W
hile I have met a good Modernising
number of funeral directors Supporting you means putting in place
this year, witnessing GOLDEN the technology and infrastructure to
first-hand your care and
professionalism, seeing hundreds in the
CHARTER make Golden Charter fit for the future.
If we don’t expect one size to fit all
same room at the Funeral Planner of the WILL USE ITS in the support our representatives
Year Awards was an eye opener. Forty
Independents won awards on the night,
NATIONAL bring to you, we need to do the same
internally so that your business can take
as spotlighted on page 26. The winners SCALE TO advantage of a modern, efficient company.
and nominees, and all 400-plus guests
who attended, gave a taste of the vibrant,
SUPPORT YOU You will be seeing the first results
of that through the mygoldencharter.
successful body of people who serve Suzanne Grahame co.uk portal and other digital services,
communities across the UK. and modernisation will go on to impact
You have built up a remarkable on everything, including the basics
independent sector over the years, the Direct work of how a plan is processed. Paperless
awards made that clear, and earlier that Partnering up can help increase your applications are helping Independents
day I spoke at the SAIFCharter AGM impact locally, but some families will pass plan documentation to families
about how I plan to ensure Golden still choose to speak with a trusted almost instantly with reduced risk
Charter works to protect it. Whether you independent financial advisor or deal of error. That project is well advanced,
attended or not, I want to make sure my with a funeral plan company directly; so speak to your local representative
focus is clear to every Independent. we can’t assume that everyone will come about taking part.
direct to their local Independent. It is As that project makes clear, a more
Working in partnership important for you that these customers modern, efficient company means
Last month Malcolm Flanders outlined have the choice of a Golden Charter plan. better value and better support for you.
our new partnership model. I want to Currently we win Independents 8% Ultimately, these actions come down
ensure that word, partnership, comes extra market share this way. As I outlined to reorienting our company to reflect
across in how we behave and the actions at the AGM, we are looking at some our current environment and your
we take for your benefit. of the specifics around how we work current and future needs.
The independent sector is under with you to encourage these families to Those Independents I heard from
pricing pressure which the conglomerates choose Golden Charter plans, including at SAIFCharter’s AGM were very
seem set to maintain. We will support examining product differentiators like the supportive of those plans, as shown on
you to close that gap, not simply through bundled Will and the cost of allocations; page 24, and whether you attended or
allocations, but also more directly. we must balance being in step with the not I want to hear your views. With
Golden Charter will use its national market and being right for you. your support and backing, as well as
scale to support your individual brands, We also do a great deal of digital continued feedback and engagement, we
compete locally, support you digitally, work on your behalf – particularly can make tomorrow’s Golden Charter
supply marketing expertise and, vitally localfuneral.co.uk which puts you front more aligned with the world as it is
now, lobby regulators. and centre when families look online at evolving, and with the Independents
Independents who have piloted our the time of need, and already has over we serve.
partnership model this year have already 1,000 branches, offering one funeral for
seen plan sales increase up to 10%, and every two enquiries. At the AGM, we
some have seen big boosts to at-need. If heard from one funeral director who
your ambition is to grow your funeral has already received seven funerals
plan share, or to use our support to grow though localfuneral.co.uk and with
your business in general, the partnership more families searching online, we can
approach helps you do so. all expect this trend to increase. suzanne.grahame@goldencharter.co.uk
7
Reporter COUNTDOWN TO EDUCATION DAY 2018 + CHARITY
SPOTLIGHT + COST INDEX WELCOMED + PETITION
LAUNCHED FOR REGULATION + OFFICIAL OPENING AGENDA
EDUCATION DAY
31 October 2018
EDUCATION DAY 2018
09.30–10.00 Registration, tea/coffee
& exhibition
10.00–10.10 Welcome & Introduction
by National President:
Alun Tucker F.SAIF
An inspirational
10.10–10.35 Addressing Children
Funerals from the
Funeral Director’s
Perspective
day of learning
10.35-10.55 Followed by Q&A
Ann Chalmers
Child Bereavement UK
11.00–11.20 IFD College Awards and
Launch of BIFD/IFDC
working partnership
This year’s SAIF Education Day, on Wednesday 31 October 2018, will centre on the topics Chris Parker F.SAIF
most relevant to independent funeral directors right now. The full-day event, at Chair of IFD College
Leicester Tigers Stadium, will include talks from a range of organisations 11.20–11.30 Announcement of
supporting Independents’ work, and an even wider array of companies will be exhibiting new partnership
with the National
SPEAKERS
Counselling Society
Terry Tennens &
Catherine Betley
11.30–11.50 Refreshments
James Daley has been a consumer campaigner and & exhibition
financial journalist for more than 18 years. Before launching
Fairer Finance, he worked for the consumer group Which? 11.50–12.45 Conflict in Families
where he campaigned for a better deal for customers of Dr Heather Conway
banks and insurers in the wake of the financial crisis.
James also spent 10 years as a business and finance 12.45–13.45 Lunch & exhibition
journalist, latterly as the Independent’s personal
13.45–14.20 New Software & Client
T
finance editor and cycling columnist. He lives
Services for Funerals
he annual Education Day brings with his family in Tooting, where he is also
Alan Jeffrey
together funeral professionals a local councillor.
Wesley Music
and specialists, allowing SAIF
members to keep up to date 14.20–14.30 Update on Death
with issues and gain ideas for best Ann Chalmers has been Chief Executive of Child Certification for
practice for their own funeral business. Bereavement UK since 2003. She holds a BACP England & Wales
This year’s speakers come from Accredited Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
backgrounds just as varied as the and a University Accredited Diploma in Bereavement 14.30–14.45 SAIF Technology Group
audience, and together they will Counselling, and has been involved in the multidisciplinary Sarah Brodie
ensure 2018’s Education Day will be training of professionals in the area of loss and SAIF Technology Group
the focal point for learning about every bereavement for more than 25 years. She represents Alan Jeffrey is founding Partner and serving Director
kind of cutting-edge development Child Bereavement UK on a number of steering groups, of Wesley Media. Alan was the key communicator 14.45–15.45 Issues & Concerns
relating to funerals. bringing the families’ perspective to projects. in bringing new media services to the bereavement Around Funeral
sector. Following a varied and successful career, he Plans and Consumer
came to the development of the company which is Protection
BOOK YOUR SPOT! Dr Heather Conway is a Senior Lecturer in law at known by most, if not all in the bereavement care James Daley
You can still secure Queen’s University Belfast. She is the author of the profession, for its quality, reliability and dedication. Managing Director –
your space at Education The Law and the Dead (Routledge 2016) and her Having recently introduced a number of changes to Fairer Finance
Day online at https:// research focuses on the laws surrounding the treatment their funeral director services and access mechanics,
saif.org.uk/events/saif-education- of the dead, the fate of corpses and who has decision- Alan will be attending the SAIF Education Day to 15.45 Close of 2018
day-2018-31st-october-2018/ making powers over human remains. Heather is also explain not only the concept and workings of these Education Day
or by calling the SAIF Business a council member of the Cremation Society of Great changes, but to present and discuss future additions
Centre on 0345 230 6777. 15:45–16.00 Final opportunity
Britain, which she joined in 2017. the company have in the pipeline. to visits the stands
8 9
REPORTER
Charity day D
aniel Robinson Staff from Daniel Robinson
IFD COLLEGE & Sons is better & Sons with Lenny, Summer,
Lyncoln, Aiden and some of
Members are reminded to provide evidence of 12 hours known for its
breaks records
of continuing professional development (CPD) to continue reputation as a their brothers and sisters
their membership of the Independent Funeral Directors’ local independent family
(IFD) College from 1 November 2018. funeral director, but once said: “These funds will
The last qualifying CPD event for membership to a year it becomes first help four local children who
continue will be SAIF’s Education Day on 31 October. Daniel Robinson & Sons’ charity golf day class charity fundraisers all have cerebral palsy in
A confirmed booking will count as evidence. For more when it holds its annual their lower limbs, Lenny,
information, contact the IFD College Administrator,
raises record-breaking £43,000 to help charity golf day. Summer, Lyncoln and
Corinne Pengelly by calling 0345 230 6777 or email four local children This year, on Wednesday Aiden. They will all now be
Corinne@saif.org.uk 12 September, 35 teams able to benefit from intensive
Date Time Course Course Name Location
took part in the golf day, private physiotherapy and
9 Oct & 10.00- AD1-6 Funeral Administrator* Sawbridgeworth,
held at Colne Valley Golf equipment. This money
15 Nov 16.00 Herts Club, Earls Colne. The day will change their levels
16 Oct 10.00- OP1-4 Funeral Operative* Llanelli always attracts a lot of of mobility forever and
16.00 interest and this year BBC help them to build a better
16 Oct 9.30- HS1-2 Health & Safety for Anstey, Leics
12.30 Funeral Staff
Essex breakfast business future. I can’t thank enough
16 Oct 13.00- G1-2 Foundation – Funeral Anstey, Leics
team ‘Ben Son’ arrived to those people who made
16.00 Practitioner record an interview for their this possible by making
16 Oct 10.00- G1-2 Foundation – Funeral Glasgow show, closely followed by donations or taking part
16.00 Practitioner Braintree TV. in the day.”
23 Oct 10.00- AD1-6 Funeral Administrator* Llanelli After a day of golf, putting The picture shows the
+ tba 16.00
6 Nov 9.30- HS1-2 Health & Safety for Crowborough,
and chipping, followed by a staff from Daniel Robinson
12.30 Funeral Staff East Sussex tombola and charity auction & Sons with Lenny, Summer,
6 Nov 13.00- G1-2 Foundation – Funeral Crowborough, in the evening, the total Lyncoln, Aiden and some of
16.00 Practitioner East Sussex amount raised was more their brothers and sisters
14 Nov 10.00- OP1-4 Funeral Operative* Taunton than had been raised at any during the evening.
16.00
of the previous 14 golf days, You can watch a short
22 Nov 10.00- OP1-4 Funeral Operative* Glasgow
16.00 a staggering £43,000. film showing the children’s
Gary Neill, Managing progress over the last year at:
*Student must have attended and be progressing with Foundation – Funeral Practitioner
before attending either the Funeral Operative or Funeral Administrator course Director of Daniel Robinson The winning team: The teams got into www.drobinson.co.uk/
& Sons, is delighted and The Mighty Hammers the swing of things golf-day-2018-video
P
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11/17
10 11
REPORTER
SAIF welcomes Cost Index
2018 Funeral Cost Index shows like Dignity, Co-op Funeralcare and “At £700 the SFFEP is unable to cover
independent funeral directors Funeral Partners. these costs. We support Royal London’s
offer best value for money “We encourage people to shop around call on the Government to reform the
and not pay more than they need to for a benefit,” he commented.
R
funeral, particularly if it means a better, Elsewhere, the report states that
oyal London’s National more personal service for a lower price.” around 40% of funeral directors are not
Funeral Cost Index 2018 is Terry added: “Perhaps the most making clients aware of their cheapest
a ‘commendable document’ worrying finding – and this is funeral package.
which shines a light on the something we’ve known for a long time Terry said: “We cannot be sure of
prices bereaved people are likely to – is funeral prices are being pushed up the reasons for this and at SAIF our
face in saying goodbye to a loved one, by rises in burial and cremation costs. members are required by our Code
the UK’s voice of independent funeral “Local authorities hit by spending cuts of Practice to clearly display in their
directors has said. are desperate to find ways to bring in premises the prices of all their funerals,
The figures show that the funeral revenue. Nevertheless, it’s unacceptable including a simple funeral. Additionally,
profession has clearly acted in the public that bereaved people are bearing the the Code requires members to provide
interest, with funeral directors’ costs brunt of austerity. They should not be a full estimate of costs to clients.”
falling overall by 4.5% in recent years. seen as an easy source of revenue.” The only aspect of the report that
Terry Tennens, SAIF CEO, said: On the topic of austerity, Terry SAIF might query is the cost of a coffin.
“The report is a commendable supported Royal London’s call The association doesn’t believe most
document which confirms on the Government to reform the people are spending £980 on a coffin
what we at SAIF already Social Fund Funeral Expenses and asks Royal London to revisit this
knew: independent funeral Payment (SFFEP), saying it added figure and their methodology in next
directors offer better value to the number of organisations year’s Index, perhaps looking at the
than the large corporates. and individuals who have most frequently sold coffin price rather
“While independent highlighted the inadequacy than the average. SAIF believes this is
firms’ costs are said to have of the benefit. likely to be in the region of £400.
increased by 3%, which “The majority of the In summary, Terry said: “On the whole,
we put down to rising fuel public consider the Royal London’s National Funeral Cost
and wage costs, family collection and care of the Index report is welcome, and we hope
firms across the country Terry Tennens, deceased along with the the funeral sector and policymakers in
are still charging on average Chief Executive coffin to be necessary local and national government give it
10% less than big businesses of SAIF parts of a funeral. the consideration it deserves.”
PRIME MINISTER ASKED TO INTERVENE Note from
AFTER BABY FUNERALS ‘TRAUMA’ Dr Bill
Dr Bill Webster
At Prime Minister’s parliament of the family’s in Greater Manchester Police
has deeply
Questions on 12 September, devastation at having to and, ultimately, the Mayor
appreciated the
Bolton West MP Chris Green hold a third ceremony for of Greater Manchester, who
many messages
asked the Prime Minister their daughter, after Greater holds responsibility for
of support and
to launch a public inquiry, Manchester Police revealed, policing.
sympathy since
after it emerged that three earlier this month, that Responding, the
the tragic death
funerals had to be held for a further body parts had been Prime Minster expressed
of his son Steve
baby when police failed to found in storage. sympathies to Leah’s family
this summer. He
return all of her body parts. At Prime Minister’s for their ‘prolonged trauma’
plans to return
Leah Aldridge was killed Questions, Mr Green said: and pledged that Home
to the magazine
by her father in 2002, and “Only a few weeks ago Office officials would meet
with his articles
buried by her mother that yet more body parts were Greater Manchester police
next month, and
same year. However, in early discovered by the police and and the National Police
is looking forward
2017, Greater Manchester the family had to go through Chiefs Council to support
to his First Final
Police informed Ms Aldridge the ordeal of a third funeral. the family in getting the
Farewell Tour
that her daughter’s liver had Would the Prime Minister answers they need.
next spring.
been found during an audit of hold an inquiry into this The Mayor of Greater
human tissue. The remains matter for the sake of Leah’s Manchester, Andy Burnham,
were returned to the family, family and for other families said: “This is being treated
and Ms Aldridge arranged across Greater Manchester?” with the upmost seriousness
a second funeral for Leah, The MP told his and the Mayor and Deputy
having been assured that all parliamentary colleagues Mayor’s firm focus continues
organs were accounted for. that Ms Aldridge, who was to be supporting the family
However, on Wednesday 16 at the time of Leah’s death until they get the answers
12 September, Mr Green told in 2002, had lost confidence they need.” Dr Webster
13
REPORTER
GRASSBY
FUNERAL
PETITION TO REGULATE DATES FOR
YOUR DIARY
SERVICE’S
NEW HEARSE FUNERAL PLANNING SAIF Executive Meeting
10 October 2018
Andrea’s petition says: 10.30-15.00, Stansted
“It has become clear there
is a strong need to SAIF Education Day
introduce statutory 31 October 2018
regulation for 10.00, Leicester
To find out funeral directors.
more on the It is noted that Beds, Bucks & Herts
there is statutory Regional Meeting
Bowls club gala day
regulation
call, turn to regulation on 7 November 2018, Luton
page 23 funeral directors
in Scotland but no Wales Christmas Dinner
other part of the UK. 30 November 2018
Family-owned In August, Peter Smith & Son Funeral a whole day of bowling. The chairman Independent’s Urging action, Andrea “SAIF support a 19.00, Llanelli
Grassby Funeral Directors attended its first gala day at was worried about the green but the green urgent call for UK highlighted a recently large number of service
Service has deep Burford Bowls Club, having taking on keeper said carry on much to our dismay. reported situation in providers and carry out SAIF Executive Meeting
Government action
roots in the county the sponsorship of the club after its long Finally at 6pm everyone said it was time Medway where a husband regulation style checks, 5 December 2018
of Dorset that stretch term sponsor sold his business. to stop just as the rain stopped.
to protect families admitted to breaking but without statutory 10.30-15.00, Venue TBC
A
back to 1861 when the A spokesman for the firm said: “Bowls “The trophies were presented, along into a funeral director’s regulation the risk remains
business was founded is all new to us, so on a very wet bank with Golden Charter goody bags. In spite of ndrea Button of premises to steal his of a repeat of the situation SAIF AGM Banquet Weekend
by stonemason holiday Sunday we expected the gala to the weather, a good day was had by all and Button Funeral mother-in-law’s body. in Medway.” 29-31 March 2019
Benjamin Grassby. be cancelled as it was raining so hard much needed funds raised for the club. Services in Kent It appears the company Alongside the petition, Crowne Plaza Resort
Over the years, the and the forecast was for this all day. How “We are none the wiser about bowls, but has launched a involved had been which has already Colchester, Maldon
business has built wrong we were. we do know that Golden Charter’s gazebos petition on campaign website causing concern and the attracted almost 200
up an unrivalled “Out they went in their waterproofs for are waterproof, thank goodness.” ‘Change’ calling on the UK husband had spent two signatures, a Twitter
reputation and seen Government to introduce days at the police station campaign account has For more information
many generations of statutory regulation of trying to track down also been established: visit the SAIF website
the Grassby family. funeral planning. its owner. @RegulateFuneral at saif.org.uk
Today, it has branches
throughout Dorset and
is currently run by OBITUARY: GEORGE ROSE
G
David and Peter from Trading Places with a SAIF member
their Dorchester office. eorge Rose, he met Sheila Lymn and they from 1994 to 1995.
Recently retired Chairman of A W married in 1951. The family firm now works A new initiative from a full tour of the premises.
Area Sales Manager Lymn The Family In 1952, George’s career through 26 funeral homes the UK Government’s Many questions were
Peter Potter made his Funeral Service, in path changed when Harold serving Nottinghamshire and department of Business, asked by Dennis and Dav
first ever Coleman Nottingham, died on 30 July Lymn, his father-in-law, South Derbyshire. Enterprise and Industrial but both were surprised
Milne sale in Dorset 2018, aged 92 years. asked him to join the family George Rose remained Strategy (BEIS), called by the lack of regulation in
and was delighted to George was the much- business. George active in the business Trading Places, visited the profession. The SAIF
go full circle and end loved husband, for 67 years, quickly established until earlier this its first funeral home on member made feelings
his career with his of Sheila; proud father of himself as a year, chairing his 31 July. The visit was to clear that regulation,
final handover of a Jenny and the late Derek, funeral director. last meeting in SAIF member Stewart correctly implemented,
Ford Norwood Classic Nigel and Penny, and Jackie In 1955, May 2018 and Hartley of G Hartley & would be a good and
Hearse at Grassby and Rex; grandfather to George qualified even seeking Sons in Wetherby. necessary thing for the
Funeral Service. Chloe and Glenn, Ben and with honours, to discharge Dennis Ager and Dav profession for both pre-need
The prestigious Emma, Matthew and Alanna, through the himself quickly Tennant, from BEIS, spent and at need funerals.
Norwood Classic Issy and Nev; and great- NAFD, to practise from hospital to the morning discussing the Trading Places is for civil
hearse with its grandfather to Henry, George, embalming. In attend the 2018 role of the funeral director, servants to educate their
economical 2.0 Oliver, Sam, Zara, Edie and the same year, British Institute the issues faced, and how colleagues about the unique
Eco boost engine, Louisa, by all of whom he is Douglas and George of Embalmers’ funeral directors interact service funeral homes bring
power assisted disc very sadly missed. became Members of the Conference for the with local authorities and to their communities and
brakes all round and George, the grandson- British Institute of Embalmers 59th consecutive year. government departments. thereby avoid inappropriate
Smartshield engine in-law of founder Arthur (BIE) and were involved in the Donations are still Stewart gave an in-depth legislation and rules with
immobilisation, is William Lymn, was the third first repatriation of human welcomed for the John Van insight into the day to day unintended consequences
not only visually generation to lead A W Lymn remains from England to Geest Cancer Research operations, complete with by Government.
impressive but The Family Funeral Service Pakistan. Between 1971 and Centre in Nottingham, either
incorporates many and was a Director of the firm 1972, George was the National online through www.lymn.
high-calibre features. for 60 years. President of the British co.uk/obituaries or sent
Grassby Funeral Born in Mapperley, Institute of Embalmers and to A W Lymn The Family
Service further Nottingham, George left he became a Fellow of the Funeral Service, Robin
enhanced the hearse school and joined the Navy in BIE in 1975. Hood House, Robin Hood
by choosing a three the early 1940s. He began his An active member of Street, Nottingham NG3
bearer deck and a basic medical training and the NAFD, George served 1GF. Currently, the total of
fitted underdeck. travelled to Australia. When as President of the NAFD donations is £5,750, including
he returned to Nottingham Midlands Area Federation both on and offline.
14 15
REPORTER
ADVERTISING FEATURE
LEGACY EXPRESSIONS LAUNCHES NEW ‘KEEPSAKE’ BROCHURE
Legacy Expressions is to teddy bears. With August, and if you would
delighted to have launched recommended retail prices like to display brochures
its new 2018/19 brochure varying from ornaments in your home, simply
offering families the chance at £25, stainless jewellery contact David Gosling
to hold on to some beautiful at £75, silver at £125 and MD on 0800 368 9233 or
and comforting keepsakes.
Based around a digitally-
captured fingerprint, the
gold jewellery at £750,
with everything in between,
they can cater for any
david@legacyexpressions.
co.uk to request your copies.
Legacy Expressions can
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Derbyshire-based company family’s budget. work with ink prints in the
offers keepsakes from All of Legacy’s 500+ first instance before moving Redscar and R Banks & Son join forces, preserving independence Working together as a team
E
jewellery to picture frames, customers received hard onto their state-of-the-art
Christmas ornaments copies over the month of scanning technology. stablished in 1997 by Leo importantly, remain independent. and unwavering support of R Banks
McKenna M.B.I.E Dip F.D. and Mr Brian Halliwell M.B.I.E Dip F.D., & Son (Funerals) Ltd going forward.”
Ms Carrol M Bibby M.B.I.E Managing Director of R Banks & Son, Redscar has five full-time qualified
Dip F.D., Redscar Independent believes this coming together not only M.B.I.E embalmers, six Dip F.D. funeral
Official celebration
Funeral Home has served the local benefits the two companies, but also the directors, and the largest, privately-
community with compassion and local community. owned fleet of Jaguar hearses and
dignity for more than two decades. He said: “Redscar Funeral Home is limousines in the area. It can also
In recent weeks, Redscar Funeral very well established in the area, and offer horse-drawn funerals – a truly
A
Home has merged with R Banks & this is in the most part down to the spectacular event. It has access to
n official ceremony Son (Funerals) Ltd, Wigan’s largest fantastic work of Carrol Bibby, who has black and white hearses, hand-built
to mark the independent family-owned funeral been with the company since it was and presented impeccably, with teams
opening of Cam director, to become one of the largest established by Mr McKenna in 1997, of two or four white or black horses.
Valley, a new independent, family-owned and and we are delighted that Carrol is going
crematorium serving operated funeral directors in the area. to continue to be the mainstay of the Redscar Funeral Home, McKenna House,
Uttlesford, was held on TRADEX 2019 This coming together has ensured business. She will be still running every 110 Longridge Road, Preston PR2 6RL
Wednesday 12 September, The National Association of Redscar Funeral Home can maintain aspect of the business, as she always T: 01772 796669
with leading religious and Memorial Masons (NAMM) its core values and beliefs and, has, and we are here to offer her the full W: www.redscarfunerals.co.uk
civic leaders attending to has announced Tradex 2019, a
lend their support. trade show for all things linked
Friends and distinguished guests
The service was led by the to the stonemasonry trade.
attending the official ceremony
Right Reverend Alan Hopes, This event is for all masons
Bishop of East Anglia, who and wholesalers, member and
was joined by Cllr Arthur views across the countryside, Claire Butcher, Manager of non-member masons. The
Coote, the Deputy Mayor of and has been equipped with Cam Valley, was delighted by event will be on Thursday 20
Saffron Walden as well as a state-of-the-art digital the chance to thank everyone and Friday 21 June 2019 at
representatives from across media system, giving access who has helped to establish Warwickshire Events Centre.
a range of beliefs and faiths. to an infinite choice of music, the new service so quickly. The 2017 event proved
Cam Valley crematorium alongside a traditional organ. She said: “We are very very popular, with more than
opened in January and has The chapel is able to cater for grateful for all of the support 500 visitors attending and
held almost 500 funerals. all religions and beliefs. from local funeral directors, 200 companies showcasing
The crematorium is the Hourly intervals are officiants and clergy who their wares. Craftex also
closest facility to Saffron allowed for each funeral, to have helped to ensure took place in 2017, as part of
Walden, Royston and ensure a unique and personal the service is tailored to the Tradex exhibition. The
Haverhill as well as event. A generous level of car local needs. It is always competition gives masons a
many parts of South parking has also been so reassuring to hear chance to exhibit and compete
Cambridgeshire and is provided, with almost 100 car what a difference the new with some of their prestigious
becoming the natural parking spaces plus extra crematorium has made to pieces of work.
choice for these areas. areas for any overspill. This is families in the area and that Craftex 2019 is open to
“Bereaved families have all within a much larger we are delivering on our members and, for the first
certainly appreciated the landscape with more than promise to provide the best time, there will be a non-
extra space and time we are 6000m2 of turf laid in the level of care so we can make member category. Due to the
able to offer,” said Richard spring alongside hundreds of that very difficult day success of this event, it will
Evans, Managing Director of bedding plants and trees and a little bit easier.” again take place alongside
Westerleigh Group, operators acres of open parkland. Sean Martin, Head of Tradex 2019. The entry criteria
of the crematorium. The Bishop recognised Operations for Peasgood & is currently being confirmed
“The crematorium is set the importance of peace and Skeates Funeral Directors, and entries will open as
in more than 13 acres and tranquillity when holding a added: “It’s much less busy soon as this is done. More
all of the facilities have been funeral and how the bereaved than other crematoria and information will be provided
designed with space and can draw comfort from the everyone commented on as the date gets closer.
comfort in mind to ensure location of a crematorium how wonderful the setting
that families have everything set in a beautiful landscape is, wrapped in glorious
they need to have an surrounded by nature. countryside in a tranquil For more information,
individual private funeral in a The Bishop was joined spot. We also allow an hour contact NAMM on 01788 542
wonderfully natural setting.” by a range of religious and between funerals so people 264 or by emailing
The 100-seater chapel is secular leaders who all have the time to have an events@namm.org.uk
light and airy, offering long played a role in the service. unhurried, dignified service.”
16 17
NT
R ESIDE
SAIF P
Supporting members and
raising awareness of SAIF
The National President gives a fascinating insight into his busy schedule
WORDS: ALUN TUCKER, NATIONAL PRESIDENT
T
he past month has passed like
a whirlwind as I represented
SAIF at a number of events.
First on the list was a visit
to Greenacres Epping Burial Ground,
which was celebrating its 10th
anniversary. I was pleased to meet
Manager Deborah Mcnamara and her
team, who did not allow the rain to
dampen their spirits.
Maintaining the cemetery
theme, next stop was the historical
Brookwood Cemetery near Woking
in Surrey. This was to attend a Going Alun with Alan Jose, Westerleigh Group Ambassador; the Bishop of East
Green event held to celebrate the Anglia Very Rev Alan Hopes; Sharon Green, President of National Association
25th anniversary of the first Natural of Memorial Masons; Harvey Thomas, Cremation Society of GB; and Richard
Burial which took place in Carlisle Evans, Westerleigh Group Managing Director
under the guidance of Ken West.
Ken was present to plant a tree to
commemorate the occasion.
Westerleigh Group has been
busy holding a number of services
of dedication at two of its newer
crematoria, firstly, at Great
Chesterford in Essex, and secondly
at Langstone Vale, near Newport
in Gwent. I was fortunate to be a
guest at both services to support an
associate member that continues National President Alun Tucker with guests
to increase its presence around at service of dedication at Langstone Vale
the country. I am impressed how
Westerleigh Group manages to find TOP LEFT: At the SAIF Essex Regional
such peaceful, idyllic sites on which Meeting, Martin Stibbard, of S Stibbards
to develop. The rural settings of both & Sons, won the President’s competition
these crematoria are set in such BOTTOM LEFT: Marcus Haywood, of
quiet surroundings where bereaved PG Oxley Funeral Directors, won the prize
families can say goodbye to their at the SAIF Essex Regional Meeting
loved ones. BOTTOM CENTRE: Carl Ng, of Expert
After a summer break it was back Computers, won the President’s competition
on the regional meeting treadmill at the SAIF Essex Regional Meeting
with meetings in Chelmsford and
Tunbridge Wells. Both meetings had
excellent attendances and involved
updates on being dementia aware,
SAIF Care and an update on all things
SAIF from Chief Executive Terry
Tennens. We had excellent support
from a good number of associate
members who enjoyed the opportunity
to network with members.
To round off the month, I was
delighted to join Helen Wathall and ABOVE: Dr Helen McGee, Medical Director
her family as they celebrated of Hospice in the Weald, presented to the
160 years serving the community SAIF Kent & Sussex regional meeting
of Derby and surrounding areas. about its newest service – the UK’s first
Staff past and present were among Cottage Hospice, a non-medical residential
the 170 guests, and it was fascinating. support home for patients and families
18REPORTER
A NEW GENERATION
Contacts and friendships are forged at SAIF NextGen meet and greet
WORDS: SARAH BRODIE, BRODIES FUNERAL SERVICES
F
ollowing on from our launch at We are pleased that interest is growing as
IS THE FUTURE OF
the 2017 SAIF AGM weekend in along with Vicki and her employee, Sarah,
Harrogate, the SAIF NextGen we were joined by three new members,
team recently enjoyed a successful John Byrne of J T Byrne Funeral Directors
gathering in Edinburgh. With the and Bec and Charlotte Wathall of G Wathall
support of Golden Charter, a private & Son Ltd. Leaders Daniel Ginder, Ross
room with drinks and nibbles was Hickton and myself all represented the
the setting for a meet and greet of current NextGen members, along with Terry
FUNERAL DIRECTING IN
current and potential new members. Tennens of SAIF, and Malcolm Flanders and
We welcomed Vicki Fraser of John Daniel Hare for Golden Charter.
Fraser & Son, Inverness, who gave a A year of membership and networking
fantastic presentation. She shared her has formed new friendships between
experience of having full control of the members, no matter the stage of their
family business after the sudden passing Vicki emphasised the importance of the careers, as the SAIF NextGen supporting
of her father. She spoke of the trials and pre-need aspect of her business model and body continues to develop.
THE CLASSROOM?
tribulations of being the only female the marketing methods she has adopted If you are interested in joining, or have
funeral director within 150 miles and how with Golden Charter. Vicki and her someone in mind, please look out for our
she has succeeded in changing the opinions team were rewarded for their efforts on banner, pick up a leaflet, join our Facebook
and traditions of locals. She also shared Saturday night as they won both the North group or feel free to have a chat with
the disagreements in management and of Scotland and National Funeral Planner any of the reps at the upcoming events.
decision making she had with her father of the Year Awards. A very well done and We will be present at SAIF Education
and how they came to a compromise, deserved congratulations from us all and Day at Leicester Tigers’ Stadium on
something almost all of us could relate to. thanks again to Vicki for a fantastic talk. 31 October 2018. l
Education – allied with on-the-job training – is vital if excellence is to be achieved
W
WORDS: OLLIE CHRISTOPHER
orking in the funeral to understand why you need to do it in the an incredible amount of emotional
profession isn’t first place is vital if you’re going to become resilience to be able to give the type of
something you get a skilled and capable funeral director. care you need to provide. Developing
much information I’m extremely glad that our industry has skills around emotional intelligence has
about in school. these training events, because when you not only helped me improve professionally,
The occupation can’t learn it at school, further education it’s helped me learn how to take better
seems to be absent bodies need to pick up the mantle. care of myself.
from career days and
none of the skills Is vocational training for everyone? Making time to train
you learn during The complexities of caring for the deceased, Finding time to focus is the key challenge.
A c t i v i t i e s We e k from the paperwork and working practices Death waits for nobody, so when you need
are particularly of third parties to balancing the care to be instantly responsive to a family in
applicable in a mortuary. Three months and compassion required for the families need, your homework gets buried under
into working in the funeral sector and and friends of the deceased, is something the crematorium forms for another week.
it already feels like a year with the you simply cannot do without developing Training is often seen as a ‘nice to have’
amount of information I’ve picked up ‘on new skill sets. Even seasoned directors when you get the time, but taking the
the job’ (OTJ), but with stricter industry can learn new things in the classroom time pays dividends when you learn to
regulations looming will OTJ suffice for as times change and practices evolve. be faster, better and more confident in
the funeral sector in 2018 and beyond? I’d encourage everyone to have a skills what you’re doing. Having
refresher every now and again – even if a pro-training mindset in
Life after OTJ it’s just to bring things back to the front a company sets the scene
The company I’m part of has a strong of your mind. to achieve excellence
belief in backing up OTJ with professional because I’m sure we’d all
vocational training, so last month I Don’t forget the soft skills agree – excellence is not
was signed up for some Institute of To coincide with my IFD courses, a skill, it’s an attitude. l
Funeral Directors (IFD) College courses. I’ve also taken the time to sharpen some
Discussing established processes and of the softer skill sets and enrol in an
procedures and matching them with what Emotional Intelligence course. At the Ollie Christopher,
I’d picked up by shadowing my colleagues end of each day, the physical exertion F Christophers &
felt like discovering fire. All the questions of removals and pallbearing are far Son Ltd, can be
simmering away about the wheres and outweighed by the emotional energy reached by email on
whys of modern funeral practices all used to support distressed and info@fchristophers
started to slot into place. It’s all very well vulnerable families. I’ve quickly andson.co.uk
being told how to follow a procedure, but found that you need to develop
20 21REPORTER
Two phases
for new
ME plan Regulation call
Latest on Medical Examiner
implementation April 2019 England, Wales and Northern
Ireland should follow in
“A
work in progress.” That
was how Dr Suzi Lishman,
■ ■ Improvements in the recording
of certificates of death by the
and confirm the Medical Certification
of Cause of Death (MCCD).
Scotland’s footsteps and
immediate past President
from the Royal College
qualified attending physician (QAP)
■ ■ Maintain the five day timetable
This will occur within 24 hours
and this performance indicator will
introduce regulation of
of Pathologists (RCOP), described the
UK Government’s announcement in
for registration. be monitored. The cremation forms
part 4 and part 5 will continue with
the funeral profession
June that the Medical Examiner (ME) In phase 2 the move to primary the attending doctor completing part
implementation plan will commence care deaths in urban and rural 4 and the ME part 5.
in April 2019. settings will be paramount for the Scrutiny is at the core of this process
Terry Tennens, SAIF CEO, attended system to be comprehensive. to prevent no foul play and improve
the conference to gain the latest There will be a National ME Officer communication between the health
update on these long awaited reforms. appointed by the National Patient Safety system and the patient’s next of kin.
The RCOP is the lead authority to Director, Dr Aidan Fowler, who will be
train and equip MEs across England responsible for the system across the Key issues for funeral directors
T
and Wales on behalf of the Department The appointment by the client to
of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The implementation plan is in two
AS MES ARE register the death remains a five
day window. Sometimes the lack of
he statement above is the position of SAIF and
it makes SAIF the first significant funeral trade
make like-for-like comparisons. A price list should also include
options for a simple or basic funeral and a traditional funeral,
phases, described by Jeremy Mean, APPOINTED, availability by the attending doctor association in the UK to back statutory regulation along with additional items such as flowers and orders of
Deputy Director of Health Ethics in
the DHSC.
PLEASE could cause a delay in discussing
the case with the ME.
of funeral directors.
SAIF has also urged its members with websites to
service. This could eventually form part of the association’s
code of practice.
Phase 1 will take effect from April KEEP SAIF ... At the conference, Dr Fletcher display their prices online as soon as possible to help bereaved According to SAIF, regulation of the funeral profession
2019. This will be a ‘non-statutory’
phase of implementation via
INFORMED indicated the ME process will add
half a day to the current process, but
consumers better understand possible costs involved with
a funeral.
should be proportionate and informed by all stakeholders,
with the views of independent funeral directors carrying as
secondary care by NHS Trusts. This OF ANY in some instances it will speed up the It could also mean families get a better deal, with research much weight in any process as those of the large corporates
is a shift from the original concept of
local authorities being responsible for
PROBLEMS system where potentially a case might
have been referred to the coroner
consistently showing that independent funeral directors’ prices
are consistently lower than large groups, like Co-op Funeralcare,
and co-operatives.
SAIF’s call for UK-wide regulation of the funeral profession
their implementation. Consequently, NHS Trusts in phase 1 and across the and clarity has been gained with the Dignity and Funeral Partners. comes ahead of the findings of a Competition and Markets
MEs will be salaried positions in communities in phase 2. There will attending doctor on the cause of death. SAIF’s position is in response to the positive Authority (CMA) study of the funeral market.
NHS Trusts and in a hospital setting. be a regional reporting structure, so it In the pilot phase there have been and proportionate way in which regulation is being A proportionate regulatory regime could address
At some point they will move into will be important for funeral directors instances where there are reductions introduced in Scotland, and comes in the wake of a some of the transparency issues being examined
managing deaths in the community. to be aware of representatives for in referrals to the Coroner’s office, small number of worrying cases in which funeral by the CMA and ensure clients of all funeral directors
Phase 2 MEs will receive statutory communication and reporting glitches and other pilots have increase their directors have fallen short of standards to which are getting a good deal.
authority through the Coroners and that impact our clients. referrals for inquests by a few. trade association members subscribe. SAIF is to consult its members and the wider
Justice Act 2009 where all deaths will Some NHS Trust pilots have Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, said it funeral profession on areas of focus for any possible
be scrutinised by the Coroner and ME The purpose of the ME integrated the role of the ME with the was high time all bereaved people across the UK regulatory regime which are likely to include:
Officer. This will be mandatory and Dr Alan Fletcher has been ME from the bereavement office, but the majority were guaranteed a minimum set of standards from ■ ■ Price transparency
across all communities. pilot in Sheffield Hospital Trust for have appointed ME officers. The NHS the professionals taking care of them at life’s most difficult ■ ■ Care facilities
The process between phase 1 and the past 10 years. He outlined the Trust will fund these salaried positions, time. He said: “Currently, anyone can set up a funeral ■ ■ Transparency of ownership
2 is unclear, as are the timelines for criteria behind successful outcomes: and there will be £1 million investment directing business and there is no requirement for them to ■ ■ Financial stability
phase 2 to commence. 1. What did the patient die from? into information technology platforms work to a minimum set of standards. Trade associations ■ ■ Record keeping
The DHSC has been operating a 2. Accurate medical certificate of death to speed the flow of information to a require their members to abide by a code of practice, but ■ ■ Regulation that works across jurisdictions
number of ME pilots in a hospital 3. Timely reporting of suspicious decision. An e-learning resource for membership is voluntary and we are seeing too many cases Following a consultation exercise, SAIF is to write to the
setting from Sheffield to Gloucester, deaths to the Coroner MEs has also been established. of firms who don’t belong to an association operating in an Westminster Government, and Welsh and Northern Irish
in fact across England and Wales. 4. Are there any clinical governance As MEs are appointed, please keep unacceptable way.” assemblies, stating its position on regulation of the funeral
The purpose of MEs is to ensure concerns which require detection the SAIF Business Centre informed of He added: “All other care industries are regulated, so there is profession across all jurisdictions.
independence and accountability for and notification? any problems your clients experience, no reason why funeral directors, to whom people turn in great
reporting suspicious deaths. There
will be two routes from April 2019,
The ME will review the medical
records of the patient; interact with
as there is scope during Phase 1 for
the Government’s implementation
distress, should not be subjected to similar rules. The vast
majority of SAIF members share concerns about standards
THE VAST MAJORITY
the Coronial courts and MEs. the attending doctor; interact with the team to adjust and learn from their and support regulation of the funeral profession.” OF SAIF MEMBERS
The success factors for the ME
system include:
bereaved, to explain as well as collate
background information where needed;
better experience of understanding
death programme.
In respect of online pricing, Terry said SAIF’s leadership
was set to discuss a commonly agreed set of funeral elements
SHARE CONCERNS
that would appear on a price list, to better help consumers ABOUT STANDARDS
22 23You can also read
