Professional Memberships & Community Connections

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) has represented funeral businesses and supported bereaved people since 1905.

NAFD members are required to follow the UK Funeral Director Code, which sets expectations for professional conduct, transparency, facilities, care of the person who has died and the service provided to families. Member funeral homes are also inspected against the Code and must provide clear information about their services and prices.

For families choosing Valentines, our NAFD membership provides additional reassurance that our work is supported by recognised professional standards and a formal process for raising concerns should something go wrong.

Link: Learn more about the NAFD and its professional standards (opens in a new tab)

The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) represents independent and predominantly family-owned funeral directors across the UK.

SAIF has stringent conditions for membership. Its funeral director members are inspected against its Code of Practice, which covers matters including dignified care, suitable premises, identification and record keeping, staff competence, transparent pricing, the management of ashes and complaints.

SAIF membership reflects the importance we place on remaining independent while also being accountable to standards beyond our own business. Families using a SAIF member also have access to an independent complaints process and bereavement support through SAIF Care.

Link: Learn more about SAIF and what its membership means (opens in a new tab)

Professional memberships do not replace the personal responsibility we accept for every family and every person in our care. They provide additional frameworks against which our standards, facilities and working practices can be assessed.

For us, membership means committing to:

• Treating every person in our care with dignity and respect
• Providing families with clear and honest information
• Maintaining appropriate professional facilities and procedures
• Supporting the training and development of our team
• Listening and responding properly if a concern is raised

Some of our professional connections arise through Valentines as a business, while others reflect Gary Valentine-Fuller’s personal contribution to funeral service.

They are not additional accreditations. They demonstrate continued involvement in the profession, its development and its history.

The London Association of Funeral Directors (LAFD) represents funeral directors and associated businesses across London and the Home Counties. It is an area association of the National Association of Funeral Directors and supports professional education, shared learning and high standards within funeral service.

Gary Valentine-Fuller has served as President of the LAFD and now serves as its Immediate Past President.

During his term, Gary represented funeral professionals, contributed to discussions about standards and education, and supported those working across the profession.

Gary’s involvement reflects a commitment to funeral service beyond the day-to-day operation of Valentines and a willingness to contribute to the standards and future direction of the profession.

Link: Visit the London Association of Funeral Directors (opens in a new tab)

Gary is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London.

The Upholders is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. It was formed in 1360 and received its first Royal Charter in 1626. Historically, its trades included upholstery, furnishings, auctioneering and undertaking.

The Company retains a close connection with funeral directing and supports education, training, professional development and recognition across its associated crafts.

Gary’s position as a Liveryman is a personal professional affiliation rather than an accreditation of Valentines. It reflects his respect for the history and craft of funeral directing, alongside his commitment to its continuing development.

Link: Visit the Worshipful Company of Upholders (opens in a new tab)

Professional standards are central to our work, but being an independent funeral director also means being part of the community around us.

These connections are not funeral-service accreditations. They reflect our involvement in local business and Gary Valentine-Fuller’s personal commitment to community service.

The South East London Chamber of Commerce has brought businesses and opportunities together across South East London for around 140 years. It serves businesses across Bromley, Bexley, Croydon, Greenwich and Lewisham.

Our Chamber membership reflects our commitment to participating in the wider business and civic life of the communities we serve.

Being connected to other local businesses, voluntary organisations and community leaders helps us understand the area, build trusted relationships and contribute to a strong and connected local community.

Link: Visit the South East London Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)

Gary serves as Chair of the Orpington and District Branch of the Royal British Legion.

This personal community leadership role reflects his longstanding connection with the Armed Forces community and his commitment to remembrance, local service and support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

It is not an accreditation of Valentines, but it forms part of the wider responsibility we believe comes with living and working within the community we serve.

Link: Visit the Royal British Legion (opens in a new tab)