Policy and influence
BCS policy seeks to uphold the highest ethical standards and practices in a rapidly changing digital landscape. We are an influential voice in the tech sector, listened to by government, industry, and the wider society.
Our priorities
We are constantly working to address the digital challenges facing our society to ensure technology’s impact is positive for everyone.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
BCS wants to see the creation of a diverse ethical AI workforce, as we believe this is central to reducing machine learning bias. The government listened when BCS advised there needed to be an increase in MSc computer science courses, with ethics built-in to the curriculum. We also examine key issues around the use, and misuse, of AI.
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion as standard; that’s the common goal for our industry. Yet women account for only 20% of IT specialists; and BAME IT professionals are less likely to be in senior roles, despite being better qualified. Like many industries, there are complex and wide-ranging challenges we have to face. At BCS, we’re facing them together as a priority.
Education
We support the teaching of rigorous and relevant computer science across the academic spectrum, from primary schools to universities. We are also the end-point assessor for the thriving digital apprenticeship sector.
Green IT and Net Zero
As the professional body for the IT industry, BCS is committed to playing its part in tackling the climate emergency. We have formally adopted the drive for Net Zero and the promotion of Green IT as one of our four organisational policy and campaign priorities.
Health and care
Digital health is undergoing rapid change and BCS, as the professional body for IT, is committed to supporting the establishment of regulated professional standards in this sector.
Tech and society
From cyber security, through to online safety, technology affects us all. BCS policy looks at the wider uses of technology. As a charity, as well as the professional body for IT, our aim is to make IT good for society.
BCS four themes and campaign goals 2021 - 2025
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, BCS has identified four key themes that we, as the professional body for IT, need to focus on to ensure we are making IT good for society.
We're using these themes as a basis for a series of webinars with the BCS President, discussing how each of these topics will be developed and implemented within BCS and industry, and providing viewers with the opportunity to engage with experts in each of the four areas.
Our impact
44%
That’s the planned increase in capacity for MSc courses in university Computer Science departments - following the BCS report - Scaling up the Ethical MSc pipeline. It was commissioned by the government’s Office for AI.
24%
Only a quarter of BCS members surveyed believed the NHSX contact tracing app would be effective in containing COVID-19. We regularly ask our members for their expert views to shape our policies and statements.
8000
Up to this number of teachers are due to be upskilled by the National Centre for Computing Education. BCS is part of the consortium training school teachers to deliver a world leading education in GCSE and A level Computer Science.
17,000+
The number of digital apprenticeships registered with BCS. We're the end point assessor for IT apprentices and are committed to developing this future pipeline of employees. The UK economy faces a significant IT skills gap and this is one way to bridge it.
Discover BCS membership
You’ll be joining a thriving community of IT professionals and benefits include access to regular events, conferences, meetings, as well the chance to join our members groups.
Partner with us
We regular partner with other organisations, seeking their views and expertise. Email the policy team directly: policyhub@bcs.uk or contact us.