British Computer Society

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Established in 1957, the British Computer Society (BCS) is one of the leading bodies worldwide for those working in IT.

With a world-wide membership of over 50,000 members in over 100 countries, the BCS is the qualifying body for Chartered IT Professionals (CITP) and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1984. Its objects are to promote the study and practice of computing and to advance knowledge of and education in IT for the benefit of the public. BCS is also a registered charity.

The BCS is licensed by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineer status (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer status (IEng); and more recently by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist status (CSci).

Various elements of the BCS promote career development, including the BCS Young Professionals Group, for members under the age of 35 and ELITE for directors and executives working in leadership roles.

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[edit] History

The forerunner of BCS was the London Computer Group, founded in 1956. The BCS was formed a year later from the merger of the LCG and an unincorporated association of scientists into an unincorporated club. In October 1957, BCS was incorporated, by Articles of Association, as the British Computer Society Ltd: the First President of BCS was Dr Maurice Wilkes, FRS

In 1966 the BCS was granted charitable status and in 1970, the BCS was given Armorial Bearings including the shield and crest. The major ethical responsibilities of BCS are emphasized by the leopard's face, surmounting the whole crest and depicting eternal vigilance over the integrity of the Society and its members

The BCS patron is HRH The Duke of Kent, KG. He became patron in December 1976 and has been actively involved in BCS activities, particularly having been President in the Silver Jubilee Year in 1982-1983.

[edit] Grades of Membership

The society has different grades of membership, a standard grade includes Affiliates, Students, Associate Members and Companions.

The professional grades include Member (MBCS) and Fellow (FBCS)

Additionally, professional members may apply for Chartered status of the BCS (CITP). The society is able to award on CEng, IEng, EurIng and CSci.


[edit] BCS Qualifications

The Society provides a range of qualifications both for users of computers and IT professionals.


European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

The BCS is licensed to offer the ECDL qualification in the UK. The qualification is the international standard for users of computers and covers seven modules :

o Basic Concepts of IT o Using Computers & Managing Files o Word processing o Spreadsheets o Databases o Presentations o Information and Communication

Logo of the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation (Right hand side)


ECDL is available from test centres across the UK Find An ECDL Test Centre


e-Citizen

The e-Citizen qualification allows beginners to get online and start using the Internet. The qualification has been designed to allow everyone get a basic understanding of the Internet and to start using the web safely. From reading email to shopping online.

Find out more about e-Citizen


e-type

e-type is a qualification that allows indiviuduals to improve and certify their typing skills. The average user can save up to 21 days a year by improving their typing speed as well as preventing RSI. e-type comes with full support materials and computer based courseware before allowing the user to assess their skills using a simple online test.

Find out more about e-type

The BCS also offers professional qualifications via the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB)

ISEB

ISEB provides a wide range of qualifications for IT professionals covering major areas including Management, Development, Service Delivery and Quality. See the range of ISEB qualifications available

[edit] Structure

In common with many engineering institutions, the BCS is divided into a number of regional branches, and specialist groups. Currently there are 45 regional branches in the UK, 16 international sections and 53 specialist groups.

[edit] Trustees

The Society is governed by a Trustee Board comprising the President, the Deputy President, the immediate past President, up to nine Vice Presidents (including Vice-President Finance), and five professional members elected by the advisory Council.

The BCS advisory Council elects the Honorary Officers - the President, the Deputy President and up to nine Vice-Presidents, together with the immediate past President and five members of Council.

The advisory Council provides advice to the Trustee Board on the direction and operation of BCS; in particular it is consulted on strategic plans and the annual budget. The Council is a representative body of the membership, with members elected directly by the professional membership, and by the Branches, Groups and Forums.


List (Historical) of Trustees Elected by Council

Mr. A S Brown MBCS (2005-2008)

Dr. D Holdsworth CEng FBCS CITP (2005-2009)

Mr. R A McLaughlin CEng FBCS CITP (-2006)

Mrs. E K Somogyi FBCS CITP (2005-2008)

Mr. M B Stranks CEng FBCS CITP (2004-2008)


[edit] External links

[edit] See also

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