IAM RoadSmart Autumn Forum
On Saturday, Ian Gaitley (TVAM Secretary) and I attended the IAM RoadSmart “Network & Knowledge” event, or what generally referred to as the annual forum. We went to the Area 1 (Southwest) event, whereas last year we went to the Area 2 (Southeast) event. TVAM’s catchment area crosses the border between these two areas, although the content is similar and we could’ve attended any of them.

The event was well run, and in my opinion an improvement from last year. It was more interactive and less ‘corporate’ in style. They’ve listened to the feedback from previous events. TVAM as a group is influential, both with IAM RoadSmart and our neighbouring groups, I believe in part as a legacy of my predecessors. It was an opportunity for us to have conversations with officers from other groups, to share ideas and experiences.

The purpose of the day was an operational update, sharing group activities and networking. This won’t be a full synopsis of what happened – just of the things I noted at the time.

Articles of Association
To be honest, I was expecting the proposed revision to the Articles of Associate to dominate the discussion more than it did. There seemed to be a consensus in the room that the each of the changes were necessary to allow the charity to move forward.

One example given was the ability to introduce new membership types, such as people who wish to contribute to the charity but for one reason or another can’t drive or ride.

However, none of the IAM RoadSmart representatives were experts in the subject and recommended sending questions directly to the team. Every member of IAM RoadSmart has their own vote on this proposal, and each item is a separate vote.

New Website
This week, IAM RoadSmart launched their new website. As I write (just after the October St.Crispins meeting), the new website clearly needs to more work. The
general message from the IAM representatives was “please bear with us”, while the problems are ironed out. The main issue right now seems to be the Dashboard is missing. Apparently it’s there, but no one in the room could find it (including IAM folks). Like many of you, my career was in I.T., and I know this is nothing unusual for a new website launch.

Once the website is completed, the IAM RoadSmart team will also updating the design of the newsletters.

Digital Run Report Forms
IAM RoadSmart will be rolling out digital run report forms, linked to DARTS (the IAM secure database used to manage member and training records). Some groups have been testing these recently.

I should say that doesn’t mean TVAM are about to introduce them, although I’m aware there is support both for and against amongst our Observers. This is more a matter for the Chief Observer and the Training Team than me.

70 Years
Next year will be the 70th anniversary of IAM RoadSmart. There will be an update to the branding and logos to indicate this, and some events to commemorate the occasion. Of course, there’s been a massive improvement in overall road safety during that time, yet we need to be cognisant that there is still work to do. This will be reflected in the wording and tone of the communications that go.

IAM Support Team
I’ve seen several comments recently relating to delays in responses from the membership support team. I know they were short of staff, but what I only just found out was while new staff were being trained, they’d had most of the existing team go down with COVID. The message was (again) “please bear with us”, as they work to solve the problem.

Insurance
There was some discussion on the subject of Cornmarket Insurance, the organisation behind IAM Surity Insurance, as many people have found they don’t get the expected insurance benefit. I was reassured they work actively working on the issue, but it may take a while to resolve.

It’s fair to say Insurance has been a hot topic on the forum recently, although predominantly on the insurance policies held by IAM RoadSmart on our behalf. While I have drafted a guide on what these policies mean for our members, I need to have it checked so it’s missed the deadline for this issue of Slipstream. There are sections on equipment cover, public and products liability, personal accident and more.

The most important part of it as an Observer is the Professional Indemnity section. It means that if an Observer gives coaching advice that is later alleged to be incorrect, misleading, or harmful – and a legal claim arises – this cover may apply, provided the Observer was acting in their IAM role and within the scope of their duties.

The New Year
I’m not going to end with comments on insurance, so I thought I’d point out November is a new year for TVAM. There is (or will be) an annual report to read, and preparation for the Annual General Meeting. Look out for notifications on these.

Kevin Dunwell
TVAM Chair