Feb 22 2021

SAIF Presidents’ Challenge 2021

After many SAIF Presidents’ Challenges over the years, the 2021 challenge is in support of Winston’s Wish, a Cheltenham-based Charity offering emotional and practical bereavement support to children, young people and their families

A team of 15 will be undertaking personal challenges ranging from 25k- 100k over a 24 hour period over the weekend of the 12th/13th June 2021. Within SAIF and it’s Associates, the team includes: Mark Porteous and his son Grant, Arran Brudenell, Simon Rossiter, Ross Hickton, Brian Stock, Gary Staker, Cat Betley and Bob Spittle and SaifInsure’s own, Brian Hart.

More information about the challenge can be found at www.ultrachallenge.com.

Our team would be delighted to receive messages in advance and during the event and we would be incredibly grateful if you were able to support us and Winston’s Wish this year, you can donate here.

We look forward to sharing tales of blisters and creaking bones after the event!

Dec 01 2020

No Brexit Deal = The Return of Green Cards

As of the 1^st December 2020, there is still no Brexit deal with our European partners and accordingly, it is imperative that we start to make plans for what this might mean for our customers.

As a consequence of no Free Trade deal, then on or after the 1^st January 2021, it will be necessary for UK motor insurance customers who intend to drive in the European Economic Area, Andorra, Switzerland or Serbia to carry a physical document as evidence of their insurance coverage which is commonly referred to as a Green Card.

This is equally true for any customers who are travelling from Northern Ireland into Ireland.

Its also important to note that anyone taking a trailer or caravan will require a separate Green Card for this and you should let us know you require this.

What you need to do

Please let us know as soon as possible that you require a Green Card and for which vehicle(s) and we will arrange for this to be issued and emailed over to you. You will need to print this off (black and white copies will suffice) and taken with you.

Please consider which vehicles would require this as its unlikely that this will need to be Hearses and Limousines for example.

Risks for non-compliance

If you travel abroad without these documents, its unlikely that you’ll be allowed onto ferries or across borders but should that happen and you are subsequently stopped at the roadside, you could be fined and have your vehicle impounded. There is no cover for these release fees or fines.

Licenses

Should we end up in a “no deal” situation, the Department of Transport has indicated that you may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU (this would be in additional to your UK driving license).

These are issued by the Government via the Post Office and please note there are different IDPs dependent upon where you might be driving:-

A 1949 Convention IDP covers Spain, Malta or Cyprus
A 1968 Convention IDP covers all other EU Countries plus Norway and Switzerland
A 1926 Convention covers Liechtenstein

You should not need an IDP if you travel to Ireland if you hold a UK driving license

NOTE : We regularly receive notes of changes in registration numbers on vehicles and it should be noted that any change would mean that a new Green Card is required and should be requested.

Neither SAIFInsure nor our Insurer partners will be making any charge for these documents

We obviously also hope that there is a deal forthcoming which will alleviate any need for these documents to be issued.

Sep 15 2020

IFD College and The Matthew Gallagher Achievement Award

SaifInsure’s close working relationship with SAIF brings other (affiliated) entities close by and the IFD (Independent Funeral Directors) College is one which we are delighted to support.

Founded in November 1995, a group of SAIF members keen to see training available to the Independent sector of the Funeral profession, set up the college; a standalone organisation and an associate member of SAIF.

Christine Parker, a Funeral Director from Tonbridge, and SAIF member had experience in adult education and the preparation of training courses. Chris wrote 14 training units complete with learning outcomes and assessment criteria which were suitable as NVQ training units. After much hard work Chris obtained accreditation for these units via Open College Network. (Now re-named One Awards). Continuing the growth of this, now, accredited NVQ training centre, Chris then mentored a dozen trainers through City and Guilds assessor and verifier training. Chris, herself was the first qualified NVQ assessor and trainer and later became an accredited moderator and the first Director of Education. Chris is also the curriculum development director and has most recently written a new training unit around infant & child funerals resulting from the Scottish Government enquiry conducted by Lord Bonomy. This unit has now been part of the curriculum for over a year with several students having achieved the award.

The IFD College now has its own identity acting as an educational source for all within the funeral profession.

At the end of 2019, a much loved member and Governor of the IFD College, Matthew Gallagher sadly passed away, leaving family, friends and colleagues wondering how they could best commemorate their mischievous and fun, larger than life friend, who would light up any room that he walked into. The Matthew Gallagher Achievement Award was created.

Chris Parker said “Many years ago, somebody told me that we never completely die if our name continues to be spoken. When our beloved Matthew died so suddenly at the beginning of this year, we were all determined that he would never be forgotten. To ensure that Matt lives on we decided to present an annual award in his name. This award will be given to one of the IFD College students who has overcome a challenge to complete their training. These challenges don’t need to be enormous, although of course they might be. The challenges they have overcome might be personal, educational, professional or domestic circumstances. We will not share any of the nominees’ circumstances at any time and the only people to see the nominations will be myself and the judges, who, I am delighted to say will be Matthew’s parents, Pat and Sandy Gallagher. Matthew brought so much to this profession and to our college in particular. He understood challenge and met any that came his way head on with determination and a smile. He was a perfect role model for any student and it is right that he is remembered in this way.”

Nominations can come from employers, colleagues, family friends or College staff or you may wish to self nominate.

Closing date is now 30th April 2021 and the award will be presented at the National Funeral Exhibition (FSE) in June. Please email Chris Parker for a nomination form: parkerchristine24@gmail.com

SaifInsure are delighted to be supporting this initiative by sponsoring the design and creation of The Matthew Gallagher Award.

Sep 03 2020

26th Kee Cup 2020 – Bonnie Princes Golf Club

The rescheduled Kee Cup took place at the end of August. This was the event’s 26^th unbroken year. The Cup was re-named in 2004, in memory of the late Gorden Kee, founder of Golden Charter.

The match is between funeral directors and the trade suppliers and is played over two days; this year the venue was the famous Prince’s Links Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent.

Before play stared the players had a minute’s silence, with the top off the cup, in memory of those who had played in, or had been connected to this event: Paul Bysouth, Jamie Hawes, Gordon Ferguson, Matthew Gallagher, Susan Edwards and Welsh King, Gwilym Price.

The first day’s play saw a whitewash as the SAIF team won the Pairs, 5-0. Augustus Gloop (Brian Hart) and Snoop Bobby Dog (Bob Spittle) rallied their team in the bar and prepared for the second day’s Singles play. Unfortunately the SAIF team won the Singles 7-3, making the final result 12-3 – there were several very big wins, with some dogs licences being handed out 7/6 (in old money).

The presentation ceremony saw over £1500 in fines being collected by the Fine-Master, Augustus Gloop, with a further £1,500 being raised by Pope Gazza 1st (Gary Neill) when he auctioned the ‘soon to be famous’ Bradnams ‘bare all’ nude calendar 2021. (These can be purchased online via the fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidspittle. The money raised for charity will be divided between the SAIF President’s charity, Winston’s Wish and Hillside Special School for Autism.

The usual traditions took place, with the virgin newbies singing songs including Sweet Caroline from Cool Hand Luke (Allum), Sweet Chariot from Chef Heston (Alex from Westerleigh) and a rousing rendition of La Bamba from Chris from Comtecs… sung in Spanish!!

Tribute was once again paid to those lost with a group performance of the Icelandic clap and roar, once again the clear winner was golf and those fantastic charities.

Next year the event will be held at The Belfry on the 11^th May. Any funeral director or trade supplier who would like to play or offer sponsorship should please contact either Gary Neill or Brian Hart.

Grateful thanks to our sponsors this year, Open pre-need plans, Bradnam Joinery, Coleman Milne, Daniel Robinson & Sons, Donatis, Westerleigh, SAIFInsure, RNS Publications, Funeralzone and Legacy Expressions.

May 04 2020

Saifinsure – post-Covid-19

SAIFinsure – post-COVID-19

Whilst many businesses are looking to plan their return to work and what should be considered in light of the virus, the funeral profession has been working continually and at an incredible rate whilst under considerable pressure.

There are going to be changes that need to be considered from a variety of angles and we have put together an “Aide Memoire” of things you may wish to consider going forward and we are mindful that all businesses vary greatly from number of locations, structures, size and capacity.

The health and well-being of employees and visitors should be the primary consideration for the business when looking at these :-

Discuss with your Management team about the best way to work with the staff in implementing the changes you make and communicating these effectively and positively.
Ensure that the property(ies) have on good hygiene matters

Staff

Agree on who can return to work and when and consider the following :-
- Workplace distancing and available space and specifically –
  - Workspace
  - Kitchens/Restrooms and other similar “communal” areas
  - Client Meeting areas
  - Staff Meeting areas
  - Security and Emergency arrangements
- Vulnerable and “at risk” staff
- Staff with care/child responsibilities
- Staggered arrival/departure protocols if feasible
- Buildings entry and/or exit protocols

Vehicles

We have seen the stringent restrictions placed upon so many including the funeral profession with limitations on visits, usage of limousines, number of mourners and the like. In addition to this, there is the desire to respond to incidents quickly and its worth reassuring your staff about the need to get there safely and not at any cost.

We have been a number of examples where emptier streets has led to an increase in speed. Speed along with fatigue and tailgating are the key factors in most crashes along with simple lack of concentration. Its important that the wellbeing of the drivers and the hours worked are considered.

Secondly, the vehicles themselves are possibly being utilised more than usual and its important to ensure that these are continually maintained in their normal careful manner as best as possible and this should now include cleaning using appropriate materials bearing in mind that its likely that a vehicle will be used by different drivers.

Mental Health

The ongoing crisis has resulted in an increase in pressures and stress for a number of people and the business should consider the anxiety that may be felt by staff during this time.

Encouraging staff members to speak out about their feelings and concerns is always helpful and there is mental health support available for all employees of SAIF-member businesses via SAIFSupport, which is open Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm on 0800 077 8578 or by email at help@saifsupport.co.uk .

Professional Help also offers staff care and counselling services and can be reached on 01524 782910 or www.professionalhelp.org.uk.

Health & Hygiene

Although this seems obvious, its often the most common of things that get forgotten.

Identify key touch points within the workplace and ensure that the most appropriate sanitation arrangements are in place for that area.
Washroom cleanliness and signs advising of the need to keep washing hands.
Cleaning practices to consider the appropriate PPE required and in good stock (PPE is often a psychological boost as well as a physical asset). This should include ensuring that contracted staff also have the necessary PPE.
Ensure that you have enough stock of said items to keep the premises clean.

Further Outbreaks

Whilst we all wish and hope that this outbreak is isolated and can be contained going forward, it remains prudent to plan for a possible “secondary spike” and indeed future ones too.

We suggest time be given to reflect on what worked well as well as what did not work so well and to ensure that the lessons are learned to ensure they do not get replicated in the future.

This might involve ensuring that key staff had the necessary equipment or that certain staff require additional training in areas so that you have back-up support in areas of the business that require it.

We would also suggest that close affiliation with other local funeral directors be looked at to see what support levels for reciprocal help can be given.

This should all be looked at under the heading of Business Continuity and the key aspect is to ensure that the business is not caught out should such a similar event occur and that people understand their roles and responsibilities should the worst occur.

This in turn gives confidence to staff, customers and supplier alike and should seek to give you peace of mind about the health of your business.

What you need to do

Risks for non-compliance

Licenses

SaifInsure’s close working relationship with SAIF brings other (affiliated) entities close by and the IFD (Independent Funeral Directors) College is one which we are delighted to support.

The rescheduled Kee Cup took place at the end of August. This was the event’s 26th unbroken year. The Cup was re-named in 2004, in memory of the late Gorden Kee, founder of Golden Charter.

Cookies

The rescheduled Kee Cup took place at the end of August. This was the event’s 26^th unbroken year. The Cup was re-named in 2004, in memory of the late Gorden Kee, founder of Golden Charter.