British Computer Society

British Computer Society
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Name	British Computer Society
Formation	1956
Location	London, United Kingdom
Region served	United Kingdom
Membership	Over 60,000
Leader title	President
Leader name	Rebecca George OBE
Main organ	Council
Parent organization	Engineering Council
Affiliations	Institution of Engineering and Technology, Royal Academy of Engineering

British Computer Society is a professional association that promotes the study and application of computer science and information technology in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1956 by Maurice Wilkes, Derek Barber, and Harry Poole, with the support of the National Physical Laboratory and the Ministry of Defence. The society is headquartered in Swindon and has over 60,000 members, including Tim Berners-Lee, Donald Knuth, and Vint Cerf. The society is also affiliated with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Engineering Council.

● History

The British Computer Society was founded in 1956, with the aim of promoting the development and use of computer science and information technology in the United Kingdom. The society's early years were marked by the establishment of the London Computer Centre and the National Computing Centre, which provided training and resources for computer professionals. The society also played a key role in the development of the UK IT industry, with members such as Clive Sinclair, Alan Sugar, and Richard Branson contributing to the growth of the sector. The society has also been involved in the development of computer science education in the United Kingdom, working with organizations such as the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the University of Cambridge.

● Organisation

The British Computer Society is governed by a Council that includes representatives from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Engineering Council. The society is also divided into several branches, including the London Branch, Manchester Branch, and Birmingham Branch, which provide local support and resources for members. The society's headquarters are located in Swindon, and it has a staff of over 200 people, including Rebecca George OBE, the current President. The society is also affiliated with several other organizations, including the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and the International Federation for Information Processing.

● Membership

Membership of the British Computer Society is open to anyone with an interest in computer science and information technology, including students, professionals, and organizations. The society has over 60,000 members, including Tim Berners-Lee, Donald Knuth, and Vint Cerf, and provides a range of benefits, including access to training and events, networking opportunities, and career development resources. Members can also join one of the society's several specialist groups, including the Computer Conservation Society, British Computer Society Health, and the BCS Women in IT group. The society also has a strong relationship with other organizations, such as the University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, and the Imperial College London.

● Qualifications

The British Computer Society offers a range of qualifications and certifications for computer professionals, including the Certificate in IT, Diploma in IT, and the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT. The society's qualifications are recognized by the Engineering Council and the UK IT industry, and are designed to provide a benchmark for computer professionals. The society also offers a range of training and development programs, including the BCS Certified IT Professional and the BCS Certified Data Scientist programs. The society's qualifications are also recognized by other organizations, such as the Microsoft Corporation, IBM, and the Oracle Corporation.

● Professional Standards

The British Computer Society is committed to promoting professional standards in the UK IT industry, and has developed a range of codes of conduct and guidelines for computer professionals. The society's Code of Conduct sets out the principles and values that members are expected to uphold, and provides a framework for professional practice. The society also provides guidance on data protection, cyber security, and intellectual property, and works with other organizations, such as the Information Commissioner's Office, National Cyber Security Centre, and the Intellectual Property Office, to promote best practice in these areas. The society is also affiliated with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Engineering Council.

● Activities

The British Computer Society is involved in a range of activities and initiatives to promote the development and use of computer science and information technology in the United Kingdom. The society hosts a range of events and conferences, including the BCS Annual Conference and the BCS IT Industry Awards. The society also provides support and resources for computer professionals, including training and development programs, networking opportunities, and career development resources. The society is also involved in policy development and lobbying activities, working with organizations such as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Education, and the House of Commons to promote the interests of the UK IT industry. The society is also affiliated with other organizations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and the International Federation for Information Processing. Category:Computer science organizations