IAM MEMBERSHIP COST
Discussion
It's up to you whether it's justifiable. The reason that IAM (the national organisation) gave in the most recent newsletter for increasing its fees is that they spent a load of money on the basis that doing so would attract new members, but it didn't and now they have a budget deficit. My local group sent a letter saying they disagreed with the increase and would consider disaffiliating itself with IAM. I decided not to renew either of my memberships (national and local) but that wasn't because of the increased fees, more that I don't have any involvement and so didn't really see the point of continuing to be a member.
ipsg.glf said:
I've been a member of the IAM since 1997. No longer.
Let's hope RoSPA don't annoy you this year - you'll be running out of options.Our IAM group committee sent representatives to the AGM, and we're wondering if they've realised just how many members they'll lose with such a steep increase.
'Skill For Life' will be going up too, so now is the time to sign up.
While it may be a 60% increase, it is required to balance the books, and I consider £28 pa to be a reasonable level of contribution to a charitable cause which I support. Other national charities have similar subscription levels - IIRC the IAM pointed out that the rspb subscription is slightly higher.
Presumably, they can afford to lose quite a lot of members and still be better off.
Personally, I am more worried about the proposed increase in the cost of Skill for Life than about the national subscription level - it does not really matter if people stop supporting the IAM when once they have taken training, but it is in all our interests for as many as possible to take the training in the first place, and clearly there are people out there who would have taken the training at the old SFL level of £85 who will not take it if it goes over £100.
Presumably, they can afford to lose quite a lot of members and still be better off.
Personally, I am more worried about the proposed increase in the cost of Skill for Life than about the national subscription level - it does not really matter if people stop supporting the IAM when once they have taken training, but it is in all our interests for as many as possible to take the training in the first place, and clearly there are people out there who would have taken the training at the old SFL level of £85 who will not take it if it goes over £100.
The IAM needs to face up to a difficult reality. If it's to be credible and relevant, it needs to move from being a worthy club for enthusiasts who have passed an advanced driving test, to being a road safety charity with a focus on safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer roads. It needs to increase its influence, by growing its membership (tapping new markets), and lobbying more effectively on the basis of the great work done by the IAM Motoring Trust.
Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to reduce the temperature of the pools.
Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to reduce the temperature of the pools.
Edited by WilliBetz on Tuesday 30th December 11:01
The IAM needs to face up to a difficult reality. If it's to be credible and relevant, it needs to move from being a worthy club for enthusiasts who have passed an advanced driving test, to being a road safety charity with a focus on safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer roads. It needs to grow its membership (tapping new markets) and to increase its press presence.
Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to turn the thermostat down.
Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to turn the thermostat down.
Edited by WilliBetz on Tuesday 30th December 11:02
WilliBetz said:
The IAM needs to face up to a difficult reality. If it's to be credible and relevant, it needs to move from being a worthy club for enthusiasts who have passed an advanced driving test, to being a road safety charity with a focus on safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer roads. It needs to increase its influence, by growing its membership (tapping new markets), and lobbying more effectively on the basis of the great work done by the IAM Motoring Trust.
Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to reduce the temperature of the pools.
Jack of all trades, but not a master of what ought to be the main one?Internally, the IAM has some serious challenges, including:
- Tests run at a loss: In y/e 31/03/07 test income was about £250k. Provision of the tests cost over £500k. Lifetime value of members is unclear, and there's inadequate capacity to meet any additional demand for tests that can be generated by the lumpy IT expenditure.
- The Fleet arm needs to be rationalised: IAM Fleet had decreased sales, and increased cost of sales. The Hibernian business appears unprofitable. Drive and Survive has high staff costs, and I suspect competes for business with IAM Fleet. Fleet is the engine of the business, and it needs a full service.
In this context, the Trustees' decision to save some money by doing without a CEO seems as sensible as the decision of our local swimming pool which, given the credit crunch and energy prices, decided to reduce the temperature of the pools.
Edited by WilliBetz on Tuesday 30th December 11:01
It's all quite sad really.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Having just read of the IAM's support for "Intelligent Speed Adaption" - a.k.a. a little black box controlling your car's speed - I am going to resign my membership. Last straw and all that.
(I also agree with WilliBetz that to fail to appoint a CEO was a dismal decision. The IAM could be so much more than it is, but not without leadership (of the right sort).)
Kind regards
Steve
(I also agree with WilliBetz that to fail to appoint a CEO was a dismal decision. The IAM could be so much more than it is, but not without leadership (of the right sort).)
Kind regards
Steve
stefan1 said:
Having just read of the IAM's support for "Intelligent Speed Adaption" - a.k.a. a little black box controlling your car's speed - I am going to resign my membership. Last straw and all that.
Just read that too.http://www.iam.org.uk/pressroom/newsarchive/Lethal...
After I pass my test, it's goodbye IAM for me I'm afraid.
I'm an engineer for a major automotive manufacturer, I am a member of 3 different car clubs (one Modern Jap stuff, another Old British stuff, another more general), most of my mates are petrol heads, I spend most weekends at some car related event or other... and yet only know one other IAM member! And worse, none of the others even seem bothered...
The only reason I'll be staying a member is the discount on my insurance *just* about makes up for the cost!
Sad state of affairs.
The only reason I'll be staying a member is the discount on my insurance *just* about makes up for the cost!
Sad state of affairs.
Dave. (I used to be a student where you work!) So that makes 2 members you (might) know of 
I too don't think I'll be renewing my membership, I joined for a year, passed my test and then moved back to university. I haven't had time to join my local group and my insurer doesn't recognise the IAM skill for life course so it doesn't seem worth it to renew, especially being a student! If I were to change insurer at renewal and they recognised it, is it possible to join again without having to re-sit a test as it were?
Depends on how long you let your membership lapse for....
Mine has lapsed for too long ( 2 full years ) so i would need to sit the test again to rejoin.
It's nice to know the IAM is an organisation which basis the driving skills of its members on their ability to continue paying their dues!
Mine has lapsed for too long ( 2 full years ) so i would need to sit the test again to rejoin.
It's nice to know the IAM is an organisation which basis the driving skills of its members on their ability to continue paying their dues!
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