From shaping the national debate on cyber resilience to spotlighting diversity and inclusion in tech, the BCS Policy and Public Relations team has continued to lead powerful conversations across government, media and industry.
BCS was invited to a roundtable hosted by Feryal Clark MP, Minister for AI and Digital Government, to discuss trustworthy AI in public services.
Dr Bill Mitchell OBE FBCS, Chair of the BCS Influence Board, was joined by representatives from the Ada Lovelace Institute, the TUC, the Institute for the Future of Work, Good Things Foundation and the Institute for Government.
Dr Mitchell said the government’s guidance on the responsible adoption of AI in the public sector https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/responsible-use-of-ai-by-governments/ could inform pathways to professional registration, building public trust by ensuring there are ethical AI standards in public services and that those who work in IT are ethical and accountable.
Cyber and software governance
BCS Fellow and cybersecurity expert Daniel Card was quoted in a lead BBC article about the sharp rise in people downloading virtual private network apps. The rush was sparked by users seeking to get around requirements of the Online Safety Act, which mandated that platforms with certain adult content have to verify age.
Daniel told the BBC that despite posing potential privacy risks, such apps ‘end up in the hands of kids trying to watch age-restricted content’, or adults ‘trying to get round blocks’.
Meanwhile, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) were keen to discuss with our members their views on the recently published Codes of Practice for Cyber Governance and Software Security. Around 90 members joined a webinar in July featuring guest speakers from DSIT and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
BCS represents the tech community
BCS Fellow and Trustee Jo Stansfield was a speaker at the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) rally for the Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum APPG. Jo said that despite significant global challenges this year for DEI she remained optimistic. This is a time of ‘unparalleled opportunity’, she said, as the UK’s new Industrial Strategy could be transformative if implemented inclusively
BCS also attended events run by techUK and the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.
At the New Statesman Summer Reception, we met the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP. We discussed how the government could leverage the wealth of expertise in the BCS Faculty of Health and Care to help realise the ambitions of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England.
Diversity and inclusion in UK tech sector
June marked another significant milestone in our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in UK tech sector.
BCS research was prominently cited in DSIT’s new report Diversity in UK Tech, which explored underrepresentation in the sector. Our data on neurodivergent professionals, the over 50s, and women in tech helped shape national recommendations, with support from BCSWomen, Embrace and NeurodiverseIT. We were particularly pleased to see backing from parliamentarians such as Samantha Niblett MP.
BCS was also featured in a BBC News exclusive about the Department for Education’s new guidance on AI in schools. Our survey, revealing teachers' low confidence in using AI, prompted a national discussion. Julia Adamson, Executive Director of Education and Public Benefit for BCS, provided expert insight to the BBC, driving visibility for our education policy work and highlighting the importance of CPD for the teaching workforce.
BCS’ role in the heart of government policy
BCS has consistently ensured that policy reflects the reality of digital practice. In June, our teams responded to the government’s new Industrial Strategy, particularly its increased investment in digital skills. These developments closely aligned with BCS’ earlier consultation submissions, which advocated for tech skills training, digital apprenticeships and the professional registration of IT workers.
We also submitted evidence to DSIT’s consultation on enterprise connected device security — commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) security. Drawing on the expertise of the BCS Information Security Specialist Group (ISSG), we called made cybersecurity policy recommendations for practical security standards that can protect both consumers and enterprise users.
BCS’ influence on the future of tech policy
May was another standout month, beginning with the announcement of BCS’ incoming Group CEO, Sharron Gunn. The PR team ran a highly successful rollout, achieving strong engagement on LinkedIn and securing coverage across leading tech media outlets, including Computer Weekly.
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In Parliament, BCS was invited by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on cyber innovation to co-lead a roundtable discussion for SMEs on addressing cybersecurity and skills gaps. The session, chaired by Daniel Aldridge MP, focused on practical measures to bolster cyber resilience and was supported by BCS policy experts.
At the Politico Tech and AI Summit, BCS Head of Policy shared a panel with Skills England Chair Phil Smith CBE. The discussion centred on apprenticeships, AI skills and how to embed digital education from early years onwards — core issues in the BCS education agenda.
BCS in media and Parliament
April brought unprecedented visibility. A surge in national cyber attacks on major retailers prompted media outlets to seek BCS commentary. With expert input from the ISSG, we contributed to multiple BBC interviews.
In response to the crisis, we prepared a detailed policy briefing for Dan Aldridge MP, which was shared with the influential Tech Caucus in Parliament. Our recommendations included mandatory breach reporting, board-level cyber responsibility and more substantial investment in cyber skills.
We also worked with the BCS Education team to analyse UCAS data on demand for computing degrees. Findings showed a rise in AI related courses and a decline in software engineering. The insight was shared with contacts at DSIT and the Department for Education as we continue to monitor trends and strengthen BCS’s reputation for data led education insights.
April saw BCS referenced 429 times in the media, nearly triple the usual monthly average, with interest driven by our commentary on cyber attacks, data research and the announcement of Professor Mohammad Dastbaz FBCS as CEO of MLA College, Plymouth.
Developing professional standards on AI
BCS is poised to play a key role in developing professional standards for AI assurance. In April, DSIT shared its Roadmap for AI Assurance, confirming that BCS will be among the organisations consulted early. We continue to support the development of professional registration for IT workers and trusted professional certifications that reflect technical excellence and ethical governance in AI systems.
We also participated in the Institute for the Future of Work’s APPG, raising member concerns about AI skills gaps and championing apprenticeships as a core solution. Lauren Edwards MP, Chair of the APPG on Skills, Careers and Employment, welcomed our data led interventions and support for digital literacy.
At two further parliamentary roundtables, BCS ISSG Chair Steve Sands promoted our view that a voluntary cyber code is no longer sufficient. He urged lawmakers to adopt a mandatory cybersecurity framework in the forthcoming Cyber Resilience Bill. His engagement with Ian McCormack, Deputy CTO of the National Cyber Security Centre, has helped to build alignment on priorities across government and industry.
Inclusive and ethical futures
BCS continues to represent the profession on key issues of inclusion and digital ethics. In April, we participated in a PICTFOR roundtable on tackling online harm, which Baroness Neville-Rolfe and experts from Jisc and techUK attended. We contributed to policy discussions on safeguarding women and minorities from online abuse.
