Howarth Funeral Service welcomes calls for funeral industry reform
Everyone at Howarth Funeral Service extends their deepest sympathies to the families affected by the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors scandal. The distress and anguish experienced by those who placed their trust in a funeral provider is heart-breaking, and our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by these deeply upsetting events.
No family should ever have to question whether their loved one has been treated with the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. At one of the most vulnerable times in a person's life, trust in your funeral director is paramount.
The events have understandably prompted calls for greater oversight of the funeral profession.
At present, funeral directors in England and Wales are not legally required to hold a specific licence or any professional qualifications, nor are they required to belong to a professional governing body, meaning businesses can operate without a mandatory licensing framework. While the vast majority of funeral directors provide compassionate and professional care, these tragic circumstances have highlighted the need for consistent standards that help protect the public and reinforce confidence in the profession.
Howarth Funeral Service supports the introduction of regulation and mandatory licensing that promotes accountability, transparency, and the highest standards of care across the sector. We believe these measures will help safeguard bereaved families while recognising the dedication of the many funeral professionals like us who serve their communities with integrity and compassion.
Our commitment has always been, and always will be, to treat every person entrusted into our care with dignity, respect, and the highest professional standards. We hope that meaningful reform will help restore public confidence and provide families with the reassurance they deserve when placing their trust in a funeral director.
NAFD & SAIF Membership
At Howarth Funeral Service, we are proud to be long-standing members of both the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), two of the UK’s leading professional organisations representing funeral directors.
As independent funeral directors in Wakefield, we understand that choosing the right funeral home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Our membership of both organisations demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest standards of care, professionalism and compassion at every stage of arranging a funeral.
Professional Memberships you can trust
The funeral profession is supported by respected trade associations that promote high standards, ethical practice and ongoing professional development.
National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
Established in 1905, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) is the UK’s largest funeral trade association. It exists to promote excellence within the funeral profession by ensuring its members meet strict professional standards.
Before a funeral director can become an NAFD member, they must undergo a comprehensive inspection. Membership is then maintained through regular inspections and compliance with the Association’s Code of Practice and Code of Professional Standards.
National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) is the leading trade association dedicated to supporting independent, family-owned funeral directors throughout the UK. SAIF promotes the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and compassionate care, while preserving the independence and personal service that local funeral directors provide.
Like the NAFD, SAIF members are required to meet strict standards of professionalism and are expected to follow a comprehensive Code of Practice, giving families additional reassurance that they are choosing a funeral director committed to excellence.
Why choose a Funeral Director who belongs to a professional association?
Unlike many other professions, there is currently no statutory government regulator for funeral directors across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that anyone can establish a funeral business without independent inspection or recognised industry accreditation.
Membership of organisations such as the NAFD and SAIF is entirely voluntary. Funeral directors choose to be independently assessed and held accountable to rigorous professional standards because they believe families deserve the highest levels of care.
Regular inspections, ongoing training and strict Codes of Practice help ensure member funeral homes continue to provide high-quality facilities, ethical services and compassionate support to every family they serve.
When searching for funeral directors in Wakefield, choosing a funeral home that belongs to recognised professional associations provides valuable reassurance that your chosen funeral director is committed to nationally recognised standards.
Our commitment to professional standards
Scotland introduced statutory regulation for funeral directors in 2016 through the appointment of an Inspector of Funeral Directors. While discussions have taken place regarding wider UK regulation, no equivalent statutory system has yet been introduced elsewhere. Until then, professional organisations such as the NAFD and SAIF continue to play an important role in maintaining standards across the funeral profession.
In 2018, Graham Lymn, then Chief Executive of the National Association of Funeral Directors, said:
“The NAFD represents thousands of funeral homes across the UK and members are subject to regular standard inspections, as well as having to abide by the Association’s Code of Professional Standards and Code of Practice. Members have a very high compliance rate and the public should feel confident that in choosing an NAFD member, they are picking a business which has high standards at its heart.”
The values expressed in this statement reflect the standards that both the NAFD and SAIF encourage across their memberships, helping families feel confident that they are receiving professional, ethical and compassionate funeral care.
Why families choose Howarth Funeral Service
As trusted funeral directors in Wakefield, we are proud to uphold the professional standards expected by both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors. As an independent, family-run funeral home, these memberships reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional care, transparency and professionalism to every family we support.
Whether you are planning a funeral in advance or need immediate assistance following a bereavement, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process with dignity, compassion and respect.
If you are looking for experienced and compassionate funeral directors in Wakefield, Howarth Funeral Service offers independent, family-focused funeral care backed by the professional standards of both the NAFD and SAIF. Choosing Howarth Funeral Service means choosing a funeral director committed to nationally recognised standards, exceptional personal service and the highest level of professional care.
