WHO ARE WE?

The Income Protection Task Force began in late 2005 in response to a very clear signal from both industry and consumer bodies that it was time to take Income Protection more seriously. Peter Le Beau and Clive Waller were the prime movers in this process but the initial consensus that IP mattered and needed greater promotion was acknowledged by leading insurers, advisers and consumer groups such as Which?

The Task Force meets six times a year and looks at new developments in disability, key strategic challenges and the action plan that we believe will help the positive messages about Income protection to reach a wider audience resulting in more people acquiring this essential cover.

In December 2006 the IPTF produced a white paper detailing a nine-point plan that represented the key challenges faced. The White Paper attracted widespread comment in the insurance media and provided an agenda which the industry could share. The White Paper has facilitated wider dialogue with advisers, journalists, trade associations and the consumer groups and a follow-up to this paper is planned in 2008.

Clive Waller, one of the co-chairs of the Task Force points out that its great asset is the community of interests that it represents and incorporates. ”The Task Force is a broad forum that has input from a range of different perspectives. It is dedicated to promoting the value of Income Protection but it acknowledges that it is an important and complex product and that we need to understand how insurers and advisers can best ensure that the public are aware of the need and can purchase it easily.

The Income Protection Task Force has made progress on a long and important journey. A long road lies ahead but it is one that it is being tackled with vigour.