Funeral Profession Standards 

Codes of Practice 

The funeral profession has historically been self regulated by two main organisations, The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors and The National Association of Funeral Directors. 

Scotland is the first of the UK nations to have a Statutory Funeral Director Code of Practice for ALL Funeral Directors. This code became effective on 1st March 2024, with full compliance and inspections required from 1st March 2025, after the initial period of implementation grace.  The code can be downloaded  here.

As independent funeral directors, we are proud members of SAIF and we value the ongoing professional support they provide us with, in particular with implementing the requirements of the Funeral Director Code of Practice and other regulatory compliance.  As members, we are inspected under their Quality Assurance Scheme to ensure we are meeting standards and are supported in all that we do.  The code of practice for SAIF is available below.   The separate specialism of embalming is overseen by the British Institute of Embalmers of which we are also members.  In 2023 - 2025, Mark was held the role as President for NAFD Scotland  and has served on national committees through the Associations.

The Association of Green Funeral Directors, of which we are also members, seeks to promote environmental care in services provided, including providing eco-friendly coffin choices, current knowledge of green burial sites, ensuring fair and informed choice for those who wish a more contemporary approach to funeral arranging and promoting embalming only where it would be desirable.

Should you have any questions about our standards, or regulatory requirements within the profession in general, please feel free to ask us. 

Complaints.

In the unfortunate situation where you feel you need to bring a complaint against any aspect of our service, please do so in writing, with details of your concern for the attention of Mark Shaw.  We will endeavour to respond initially within 48 hours.  If more time is required to investigate your concerns, we will indicate our likely timescale for a full response at which point we would contact you to review your complaint and try to seek a resolution.  In the event that we are not able to fully satisfy your concerns or reach some form of resolution directly with you, you are free to forward your concerns to SAIF or the Scottish Government Funeral Inspectors.