Volunteer community, new beginnings

We're working across the community to understand the experiences of volunteers - your successes and your challenges - so we can redefine our shared purpose.

Moving your activity online during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rapid transition for many organisations and individuals as they switch their activities online. We've seen a remarkable effort from our member groups as you seek to carry on supporting member development and organise yourselves to support your local communities during ‘business unusual’. To help you get your activities online we've developed guidance to support you. 

Your role in the volunteer community is vital to the growing success of BCS. Our group networks form an essential part of the membership experience, providing rich diversity, debate and development opportunities. This activity simply doesn’t happen without your dedication and commitment. But we know you face challenges along the way and there are opportunities to do things better, with the right support.

That’s why we’re launching our new beginnings programme, putting a spotlight on the contribution you make to our royal charter - and bringing clarity to our shared purpose.

Introduction to the programme

This inclusive programme combines a series of member conventions, online consultations, forums and discussion - enabling us to create a community manifesto and redefine our vision.

Together we can ensure our community thrives far into the future, is always far-reaching, and remains vibrant and relevant in an evolving industry.

Part 1: Introduction to the programme - Michael Grant, BCS President and Alastair Revell, BCS Vice-President

Making the programme happen

June 2019 was the first opportunity to become involved with the new beginnings programme; together, we reviewed a draft manifesto for the community (a shared purpose and set of values).

Part 2: Making the programme happen - Alastair Revell, BCS Vice-President and Holly Porter, BCS Director of Membership

A new purpose

Listening to feedback from the community - in 1:1s, Chair reports and representation to governance - it’s increasingly apparent we need to sharpen the focus on our purpose and culture. To help us achieve this, we’re creating the BCS Community principles.

These principles were created by you, with input from governance and staff. They define our values and inform how we run our community to support a progressive society of IT professionals.

View the principles

Get involved

What does volunteering mean to you? There are many ways to participate in our new beginnings programme so be sure to have your say!

Monthly BCS Briefing

Our monthly BCS Briefing webinars will give member group volunteers a briefing on BCS workstreams and latest news.

Date to be announced.

Community Forum

Take part in a new initiative, the Community Forum, where you can share your views and help define our purpose.

Sign up today

What’s taking place across the community?

Keep up to date with all the latest from the volunteer community and new beginnings programme on our YouTube channel, Twitter, or Volunteer Portal.

Resources