AI ethics and professional registrations in the UK report

What do the public think?

The BCS-commissioned YouGov survey shows clear demand for professional accountability across technology roles:

• 85% of respondents agreed that IT professionals working on systems that affect the public should be required to join a public register and follow an independent code of conduct, like doctors or lawyers
• 82% believed that IT professionals working in high-impact AI roles should be professionally registered and held to independent standards of competence and ethics
• 75% said they would trust an IT professional more if they were listed on a public register and accountable to a code of conduct
• 50% said that an independent body, such as BCS, should be responsible for upholding ethical and technical standards

These data reflect a growing demand for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in the tech sector, particularly in roles that affect people’s lives directly.

BCS’ recommendations for trustworthy AI

Following these results, BCS offers several recommendations:

1. Professional registration and code of conduct: professional registration, underpinned by an accompanying code of conduct, should be an essential condition for all public sector technology roles — including contractors within the supply chain — to ensure accountability and reinforce public trust
2. Public register for high impact roles: a public register of IT professionals would provide assurance and accountability in high impact roles including automated decision making or handling special category data. It would ensure IT professionals are accountable to independent standards of ethics and competence and are working towards regular and published continuing professional development (CPD) goals, including chartered status 
3. Leadership in ethical standards: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) should continue to lead in bringing UK companies and professional bodies together to set and develop ethical standards. This will be key to building public trust and accountability in AI and digital systems

Sharron Gunn, CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT added: ‘As the professional body for computing, our role is to champion the highest standards on behalf of both our members and the public. This research shows the value to society of IT professionals who are proud to be accountable, competent, and to follow a clear code of conduct.

‘For our members, that’s exactly what professional registration and chartered status represent. By embedding these principles across the public sector and beyond, we can help ensure that AI and digital services work in a way that earns and keeps people’s trust.’

Daniel Aldridge MP, Chair of the Cyber Innovation APPG added: ‘If Government works in partnership with professional bodies, industry, and civil society, we can make the UK a world leader in trustworthy technology.’