A letter received from David Kenworthy after the 2008 Car Conference.
Dear Group Chair and Secretary 31 October 2008
It was good to meet so many Chairs and Secretaries at what was an enjoyable and productive Car Conference earlier this month. For those who were unable to attend, I have asked for summaries of the presentations, and my speech, to be posted on the members' section of the IAM website.
I am writing a more detailed letter to IAM Motorcycle Group Chairs and Secretaries, as they were not present at the Car Conference, and so didn't contribute to our workshop session in the afternoon; we need their inputs and suggestions separately. We are also seeking volunteers from three Motorcycle Groups, to join with three Car Groups, to help us review the subscriptions refund proposal for Observers.
I will writing in similar terms to those Car Groups who couldn't attend conference, in order that they are not disadvantaged at having missed the workshop at Conference as well. Meanwhile, as you know, in the last year, Alistair Cheyne and I have been closely involved with the day-to-day operations of the IAM. In previous letters to you, I have outlined some of actions that I believe to be vital if we are to re-invigorate our great organisation. While some of these actions may be unpalatable in the short term, I seek your support and understanding as we implement them.
During this time, I have also visited many groups and regional meetings and I have learned a great deal; not least that we must keep in touch with and listen to members and groups. This is now a priority for IAM Trustees and staff, given that I am determined that IAM members will have greater influence over what we do. When we join an organisation, it is reasonable to ask what we get in return.
To this end, we are looking at a range of quality member benefits and evaluating how we structure membership - including family membership packages and how we might recognise long-term members. We will report progress on these initiatives early in 2009.
But there is a greater priority for IAM members than the benefits we may receive - welcome as they are. It relates to why we joined the IAM and a belief that its life-saving work should continue. The IAM's duty is not only to survive but also to thrive and fulfil its aim of reducing death and injury on the road.
Thanks to the IAM Trust, we have moved up a weight or two when punching home road safety messages. We can, and must, do even better. Part of this means involving members as we develop our road safety policies. (You can see summaries of current polices under the In Our View section of the website and these are set to rise to 40 by the end of the year.)
Please be in no doubt about the vital role that the IAM can play in road safety. We have no shortage of fellow campaigners, but none of them offer our unique, practical approach to improving drivers' and riders' abilities. The IAM is the largest, independent, road safety organisation in the UK.
At the Car Conference I signalled that our IAM is changing and improving: in the coming weeks, you will see a better, more user-friendly IAM website and, this month, a refreshed Advanced Driving magazine whose new editor is keen to hear members' views on content, as well as receiving their stories.
When I became Chairman last year, I said that the need for the IAM's contribution to road safety has never been greater and I think, in particular, of the need to encourage young men to embrace better and safer driver training.
A larger IAM membership will mean safer roads. So, I repeat this challenge to every IAM member; please persuade at least one person that taking the Skill for Life course can equate to saving life and reducing injury.
I look forward to working with you to build a bigger and better IAM.
David Kenworthy
Chairmain IAM