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.”