Today IMPAC is still a very active organisation In the beginning (1990) a Constitution was nationally agreed and this provides the basis for operation. IMPAC Council elections are held and policy agreed at the National AGM. This is held alternatively between Nottingham and Bristol in May each year. IMPAC's famous High Court victory in 1990 places it well to help others facing similar situations. IMPAC ORGANISATION AND OVERALL POLICY
IMPAC is managed by the National Council and it consists of a chosen President, 3 elected Officers plus representatives from the 7 Regions and other co-opted members. The elected officers are Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The Regional representatives are chosen by the Regional Committees but usually consist of the elected Regional Chairman and the PFCC representative. The Council nominates a Vice Chairman and a Public Relations Officer. In addition any IMPAC member of the Pension Fund Consultative Committee (PFCC) representatives attend Council Meetings. IMPAC's National Council meets about four times a year in Nottingham which is central for all Regions. Extraordinary meetings are called and sub-committees are formed to debate policy and deal with particular issues.
IMPAC policy is to monitor the management of the Imperial Tobacco Pension
Fund and use its influence to question rule changes and press for
improved benefits for members. The Occupational Pension Fund world is not
a stable one and external forces are continually exerting pressures on
Fund management. IMPAC's access to the sponsoring Company (ITL) is via
ITG plc at the Pension Fund Consultative Committee (PFCC) that meets
twice a year. IMPAC has no negotiating powers but attempts to influence
proceedings that affect pensions. This is not an easy process but it is
believed that IMPAC's views have the respect of those managing the Fund.
Nationally IMPAC is divided into 7 Regions, Eastern, London & South
East, Midland, North-East, North-West, Scotland and Western.
Constitutionally each Region holds an AGM at which a Committee of up to
12 pensioners are elected. These then elect Officers for a year's service
comprising of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. These Committees manage
the individual Regions. Regional activity however is somewhat dependant
on distribution of membership. The views of the Regional memberships are
then communicated to the National Council by the nominated representative
– usually the Chairman. For ease of communication, Overseas members are
treated as a separate group but Overseas members do have the option to be
affiliated to a Region of their choice. The receipt of annual
subscriptions and issue of renewals, posting labels etc. for the total
membership is contracted to a data base bureau. The membership covers all
Great Britain and Overseas, as far as New Zealand and the USA. The
quarterly newsletter IMPACt therefore serves as the main method for
publishing Policy, Council's actions and a range of organisational
information.