As a result of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act, standards amongst Funeral Directors in Scotland will be monitored by a new Inspector of Funeral Directors. Funeral Directors may also have to be licensed.
 
SAIF Scotland and NAFD Scotland are working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that the new regulatory framework benefits and reinforces the good work of our members in Scotland. Your views on these issues are crucial in helping us achieve this objective.
Part 1. This section asks for your opinions and insights in relation to the forthcoming regulation of funeral directors in Scotland.

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* 1. Do you think that standards amongst the funeral sector in Scotland need improvement?  Please give reasons for your answer.

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* 2. Do you welcome the introduction of a statutory Inspector of Funeral Directors and licensing? Please give reasons for your answer.

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* 3. As inspection and licensing are now statutory and are going to be introduced, do you think that SAIF should work closely with the Scottish Government to develop an appropriate inspection and licensing system in order to raise standards?  Please give reasons for your answer.

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* 4. On which areas of a Funeral Director’s business should the Inspector of Funeral Directors focus?

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* 5. As part of new regulations, the Inspector of Funeral Directors may investigate complaints against funeral directors and impose sanctions. Should SAIF proactively help to formulate guidelines in this area? Please comment on the types of sanction that should be imposed.

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* 6. Under the new regulations, Scottish Government Ministers will potentially have the power to suspend the operation of a funeral director. In what circumstances might a suspension be appropriate?

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* 7. Under the legislation, a code of practice known as the "funeral directors' code" will be formulated. What should be
included in this document?

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* 8. Do you have any additional comments about the forthcoming inspection regime?

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* 9. Do you have any thoughts about the possible minimum criteria required for a funeral director licence application (e.g. staff qualifications, facilities etc)?

Part 2. This section of the survey asks about your funeral business. By completing this section, you will help us to build an accurate picture of the funeral sector in Scotland.  Please note that all information provided is anonymous.

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* 10. How many funerals does your business conduct each year?

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* 11. How many staff do you employ?  Please list the number of funeral arrangers and funeral directors.

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* 12. How many of your staff hold a funeral-related professional qualification (e.g. Cert. FP from the IFD College; NAFD, BIFD or BIE Diploma?)

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* 13. What do you charge for a standard funeral (comprising transport to crematorium/cemetery, hearse and one limousine, first coffin in range, viewing and embalming)?

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* 14. What is your annual turnover? We appreciate that this is a sensitive question. Please be assured that your answer is given anonymously. This information is important as it will enable us to provide our partners in the Scottish Government with an accurate insight into the contribution funeral directors make to the Scottish economy.

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* 15. What percentage of your annual turnover is attributed to bad debt? Please provide additional thoughts you may have on this topic in the box below.

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* 16. How many funeral homes/branches does your business have?

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* 17. We would like to know about the spiritual aspects of the funerals you direct. Please give an approximate percentage for each of the three choices below:

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