Professional standards in practice: an RAF cyber officer’s journey to CITP

As an Officer in the Royal Air Force Cyberspace Profession, Amy Phillips-Mahon has built a career spanning technical delivery, leadership and digital transformation across defence. In this article Amy discusses why the updated Chartered IT Professional (CITP) standard provides a more authentic way to reflect real‑world experience, how professional registration has shaped her career, and the role chartered status plays in building trust, ethical practice and credibility across the IT profession.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and summarise your career to date?

My name is Amy Phillips-Mahon, and I’m an Officer in the Royal Air Force Cyberspace Profession. I’ve worked in a variety of roles across the RAF that have developed both my technical background and my experience as a leader. The range of posts I’ve held has given me the chance to see different parts of defence and how digital work actually happens on the ground.

What influenced your decision to apply to become chartered?

I waited for the new standard because its strong link to SFIA made a big difference to me. Previously I often felt as though I was trying to force my career into fixed competency boxes. The new approach let me describe my work in my own terms and focus on what I have actually done, so it felt like a fairer reflection of my experience.

What impact do you think CITP registration has had on your career?

CITP registration, and my involvement with BCS, has been useful. It has widened my professional network and given me access to conversations and communities I might not otherwise have been part of. It also provides a clear external benchmark of professional standing, which is helpful in a large organisation.

What do you believe to be the most critical ethical responsibilities for IT professionals today?

Being open about uncertainty is important. Technology moves quickly and there will be times when we do not know the full answer. Saying so early allows risks to be discussed properly and avoids over-promising on what systems or people can deliver.

As a CITP, you are required to maintain your skills through continuous professional development. How do you approach this responsibility?

I support others who are working toward professional registration through mentoring and assessment. It gives me visibility of a wide range of work across the sector and makes me reflect on my own development as well. I have also been a judge for the UK IT Industry Awards for the past couple of years. It is a good way to see what different organisations are doing and how various problems are being approached in practice.

For you

Be part of something bigger, join BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

How can organisations best support their staff to become registered?

Clarity helps more than anything else. Many people assume the process is complex or do not know where to start. Explaining what evidence is needed, what the assessors are looking for, and how long it is likely to take removes a lot of the perceived barriers.

In a previous role, I supported colleagues through the registration process. Simply being available to answer questions and review drafts made a noticeable difference to the number of people who completed their applications.

What does Chartered Week mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate chartered professionals?

For me, Chartered Week highlights the breadth of professionalism across the industry. It is an opportunity to recognise people who have chosen to evidence their competence and commit to maintaining standards in their field.

How do you think being chartered contributes to trust and credibility in your industry?

Chartered status signals that someone has met an agreed professional standard, adheres to an ethical code and has had their experience independently assessed. I also value that CITP is shaped by practitioners, which helps keep it relevant and credible.

What message would you share with those considering becoming chartered?

Start the application. Most people already have more evidence than they expect. If anything is unclear, ask someone who has been through the process — there is plenty of support available.

Do you have any closing thoughts?

CITP is one route, but RITTech and Advanced RITTech are also important and reflect significant levels of skill. Professional registration at any level is worth recognising, because it shows commitment to maintaining and developing practice.