BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

12/09/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/09/2022 06:30

HRH The Duke of Kent visits BCS – and meets a robot and tech pioneers

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Rashik Parmar MBE, Chief Executive of BCS, said: "HRH The Duke of Kent has been a long-standing friend and supporter of the power of information technology , watching it transform from a niche interest to something woven into very part of our lives. We were delighted to welcome him to our offices, and to restate our message that an ethical, accountable and inclusive IT profession benefits everyone."

Established in 1957, BCS was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council in 1984 which defines its role in maintaining standards of competence, conduct and ethical practice within the IT profession.

Today, that means BCS shines a light on big issues such as the persistent gender gap in computing education, the value of professional standards in cyber security, and how tech has a vital role to play in sustainability and the journey to net zero emissions.

BCS moved into the newly refurbished offices in Swindon in 2020.

HRH The Duke of Kent

HRH The Duke of Kent has been royal patron of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, since 1976. BCS was granted a royal charter by the Privy Council in 1984.

The royal charter defines our purpose of setting and maintaining standards of competence, conduct and ethical practice within the IT profession. The charter means BCS is responsible for ensuring technology shapes a safe and positive future for everyone. Our commitment is not just to the people working in the industry but to society as a whole.

Dame Stephanie Shirley CH

Dame Stephanie was awarded Distinguished Fellowship by BCS in 2021.

Dame Stephanie arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee in 1939. In 1962, she founded an all-woman software company that pioneered remote working, upending the expectations of the time. It was ultimately valued at almost $3 billion and made 70 of her staff millionaires.

Since 'retiring', her focus has been on philanthropy, and she has given away almost £70m to fund strategic projects in autism and IT. She joined BCS as a student member on its foundation in 1957 and was its first woman President in 1989-90.