SAIF Golden Charter

Profession speaks as one on new regulations

Funeral directors came together to give their views on planned Scottish regulations at a meeting held in Stirling on 1 April. The event was the first to be organised jointly by SAIF and the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). It was arranged in response to the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act which will bring new rules to the sector.

Outgoing SAIF President Paul Allcock said: “It was a real landmark occasion having the two organisations coming together to discuss the new regulations, which will not only have an effect on all funeral directors across Scotland, but in time we could see similar legislation introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

The event featured a panel discussion and workshops that looked at potential challenges associated with regulation. Among the contributors was Cheryl Paris, Policy Officer in the Scottish Government, who provided a report and useful information to everyone who attended.

Paul added: “There are a number of issues that will arise for our membership, among them the introduction of an inspector of funeral services.

“In the longer term there is likely to be licensing of funeral directors across Scotland. This could cause concern, but our belief is that if you meet certain standards and spend money on improving your premises and the quality of the service you provide then there is nothing to be worried about.”

Another topic raised was cross-border issues, specifically how funeral directors based in England who carry out funerals in Scotland may be affected. For example, would they need to be licensed by the Scottish Government?

Attendees asked about variation in the governance and whether a funeral director operating in the Highlands and Islands, who faces a very different environment from one operating in Glasgow or Edinburgh, would need to meet the same criteria as city-based colleagues.

“These are questions that need to be ironed out,” said Paul. “And it is important that along with the NAFD we give our views to the Government as one voice.”

Remarkable

The event attracted about 110 people, not only funeral directors, but celebrants and others who were keen to find out how new regulations might affect them.

Scottish SAIF Executive Member and Past President Jim Brodie added: “The conference was groundbreaking to say the least. The fact that so many delegates from both associations attended was in itself remarkable.

“While Scotland has a reasonably high ratio of dual members it was possibly the first time so many companies had shared the same room and platform for a generation.

“We did, indeed, find more to unite than divide us, and the gravity of the proposed changes, albeit still rather sketchy, was clear in the strength of feeling, which we showed Cheryl Paris when she very kindly answered questions from the floor. She certainly left with a much clearer and more positive idea of who and what we are.”

Gary Staker, Vice President of SAIF, who has a funeral business in Whitley Bay, is one of those England-based professionals who could be affected. Accordingly, he was a keen participant in the Stirling event.

He said: “It is important to look at how the new rules might affect cross-border funerals. We’re close to Scotland and there may be occasions when the new arrangements have an impact on funerals we arrange.

“It was a really good event and gratifying to hear that the Scottish Government is ready to listen to the funeral directors’ point of view.”

Gary believes licensing is a positive move. “On occasion you get people who have limited or no experience setting up as a funeral director. That’s unbeknown to families who can end up putting the care of their loved one in the hands of a relative novice.”

Speaking at the end, Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, remarked: “This Stirling Conference will be remembered as one of those landmark occasions; funeral directors came together and witnessed the signing of the Stirling Agreement in the presence of the Scottish Government’s representative, Cheryl Paris.

“SAIF and the NAFD’s commitment is to work together on a joint code of practice, offering quality assurance of members and their professional standards. It will be remembered for the posture of openness and collaboration expressed by Cheryl Paris. The Stirling Conference will further impact the funeral profession across the rest of the UK and the quality assurance of funeral services for the bereaved.”