In a sector that’s had its fair share of scandals, and during a generation when funeral directors now provide a much broader service than ever before, supporting our regulatory bodies as they shape the delivery and set the standards for funerals in the UK has never been more important.
Who regulates funerals in the UK?
SAIF (Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors) and NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) are responsible for setting minimum standards of care in service delivery, facilities, education and training for funeral directors throughout the UK.
For many years, William Purves employees have donated their time and expertise to serve in these organisations. It’s long been our view that to influence positive change and to ensure high standards of service, we should make the investment in shaping these from within.
As of March 2025, the funeral sector in Scotland is now fully regulated. We look forward to similar legislation being introduced south of the border.
Prepaid funeral plans are also now subject to CMA regulation, a change they introduced in 2021. Membership of SAIF and NAFD is voluntary, and over 5,000 funeral firms in the UK have joined either or both associations.
SAIF
Gary is our Northumberland team leader and the 1st Vice President of SAIF. As the Membership Chairman, Gary oversees a team that examines prospective members during their application and vets their qualifications, premises, experience and compliance track record.
He started his career as a funeral director in Co-Op, core member of NAFD. When he left to start up his own business, he joined SAIF. He did so to: “Demonstrate to the families I cared for, that my code of conduct and practice were following a strict set of guidelines that reflected the independent status of my business.”
Gary continues: “For years, I attended local regional meetings taking the view that it was right to contribute my time to the organisation that existed to support me, but more importantly, the families I would be helping. On a personal level, I believe you get more out of something the more you put it in.”
Gary Staker (left) at the 2025 SAIF conference in Glasgow, alongside President Ross Hickton (centre) and 2nd Vice President Paul Sillett (right)
Gary’s experience of managing a single site, as well as a larger team and region, meant he had something to offer to future funeral directors through education and training.
He says: “To this day, I feel education is huge and I encourage members, as well as my own team in William Purves, to use the wide range of training to be their best.”
In 2018, SAIF invited Gary to be 1st Vice-President but he took some time out during the transfer of his business to William Purves, returning in 2020.
As well as his responsibility for Membership, Gary serves on the Standards Committee, dealing with public complaints. He also plays a part in the Products & Services Team. This involves exploring private healthcare, credit card terminals, bulk buying, etc, to provide a full range of benefits to SAIF members.
Next year, Gary will adopt the premium title of National President of SAIF, a position he’ll hold for a year.
NAFD
Tim Purves, CEO and Chairman of William Purves, is the Scottish President of the NAFD. In essence, he is the public representative of funeral directors in Scotland to the Government. He handles issues and recommendations that association members submit. In doing so, he engages with current industry issues and promotes compliance with Scotland’s funeral regulation mandate.
As fifth-generation owner of William Purves, Tim has been involved in the funeral industry for over 40 years. He spent time in the business during his school holidays in his youth. Years later, in 2014, he took over the company from his father, John.
Tim Purves (right) alongside his wife, also a William Purves Director Ali (centre) and NAFD National President Darryl Smith (left)
Bringing this wealth of insider knowledge and experience to the role, Tim discussing the value of NAFD memberships:
“The NAFD’s exists to be the voice of the profession – That’s one of the main reasons we want to be an engaged member but also to take an active role in it. The NAFD is respected by politicians and the Government. We are invited to attend meetings to give an insight and perspective on certain things such as the recent Scottish covid enquiry. So, from that, it’s far better to be involved in it than to try and be a solo voice.”
Tim further highlights the benefits of networking that come with membership:
“I think networking is really important as well. You’re keeping your ear to the ground, meeting other funeral directors and finding out about the challenges they have. When you go to a NAFD conference for the weekend, you’ll sit down with another funeral director and have a proper chat with them.”
Serving a two-year tenure as President, Tim’s role is mutually beneficial both for the business and the NAFD.
His involvement in Government discussions offers him first-hand insight into industry issues – namely, matters concerning Scottish regulation – which keep the business standards and operations up to date.
Having acquired several businesses over our history, William Purves fully understands how different firms and departments run, and the challenges they face.
Our committed staff
Both Gary, Tim and many of our staff over past years, donate their time and knowledge to influencing positive change. This adds up to a significant level of contribution over a long period. Staff will also attend meetings that are after-hours and require travel across the country.
We’re incredibly grateful for their contribution, acknowledging that to positively influence change for good, we must take some responsibility in driving and shaping high funeral standards.
Ongoing investment of this kind will continue to be a priority for William Purves. We’re grateful to our people for stepping up to the plate to help, ensuring and reassures families that we’re delivering on our promise: compassion, dedication, integrity and respect.
