South Downs Funeral Service and Mayfields Funeral Directors are very proud to be members of SAIF, the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.
Membership can only be granted by adhering to SAIF’s code of practice and by inspection and subsequent approval of the funeral home and it’s operating policies. In addition, membership will only be granted to independent and family owned funeral homes.
Currently, there are no restrictions as to who may own or manage a funeral home, nor are there any requirements for a funeral home to become a member of a regulatory organisation.
This means that anyone can either start a new funeral home, or purchase an existing business without any qualifications, previous experience or proven ability in the funeral business.
We feel that this may have a detrimental effect on the standards within the funeral business.
It is also important to ensure that the funeral home, to which you are entrusting your loved one, has staff that have attained a recognised qualification in the funeral business or that they are members of a regulatory organisation. Paul has been funeral directing for over 38 years. He received his Diploma in 1985, after a considerable period of study. To complete the heritage, Paul’s father received his Diploma in 1961. Both Diplomas are on display in our reception area.