hir wrote:jcochrane wrote:To expand on this we have been looking into whether to switch to RoADA or alternatively become independent and recommend the RoDA test for those that would like a test.
An interesting thought. What would be the advantage of being independent rather than affiliated to RoSPA? With affiliation you would at least get the benefit of an umbrella organisation, as others have said already. However, it is an umbrella organisation with less presence than the IAM, and that's saying something!
I believe one of the downsides of dis-affiliating from the IAM is that, in accordance with the group's constitution, the group's funds, such as they are, will revert to IAM Head Office. And don't even think about having a Knees-Up and spend all the money before you dis-affiliate. The trustees would likely get a call from the Charity Commissioners telling the trustees to foot the bill themselves.
No, I think the only way to keep one's blood pressure at normal levels and avoid periodic attacks of apoplexy and anger is to put to one side all feelings of angst, anxiety, and apprehension that one might have about the IAM and rise above the confused messaging emanating from HQ, and just get on with the task of helping others to improve their driving. Focus on thinking about the associate, not about the IAM.
Just a thought.
The concern we have with RoADA is that we might find ourselves in the same position we have with IAM.
I do hope you are wrong about the group funds. The money is not theirs but belongs to the members. I thought that if the group were to dissolve then funds had to be returned to the members. Although in our case we would still continue what we are doing but without the interference of the IAM. It would mean a group vote on this.
Your last paragraph sums up what we want and try to do but the ever growing onerous intervention of HQ stifles our enthusiasm.