The Malta branch of the British Computer Society is seeking a more active role in the local ICT field, within the BCS transformation programme launched last September.
The BCS Malta Section was formed in 1997, and is one of the oldest international branches. The section is growing in local recognition, and is very active through the organisation of events and the formulation of national initiatives.
As a non-profit organisation its active members are all volunteers. As yet it does not have its own premises, but is currently working towards establishing a permanent office.
The British Computer Society, nowadays more commonly known as BCS, was formed in 1957 when the London Computer Group merged with a group of scientists to form the British Computer Society Ltd. In 1966 the BCS received the chartable status, while in 1982-83, the Duke of Kent became its president. By this time, over a period of 25 years, the society had grown from 1,300 to 27,000 members, with the number of branches growing from 13 to 42.
An important milestone of the BCS was when they were incorporated by a Royal Charter to become a chartered institution. This brought about specific professional and ethical responsibilities to the society. The BCS is the only UK professional IT body with the ability to grant a "chartered status" to its professional members.
Between 1985 and 1996, the BCS was nominated as a body of the UK Engineering Council and became a Chartered Engineering Institution. This also meant that the society was licensed by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineering Status (CEng) to BCS members who had the credentials. In 2004, the UK Science Council licensed the BCS to confer the Chartered Scientist Status to respective members who qualify as scientists.
With over 70,000 members worldwide, BCS is distinguished to be the most influential IT body in the information society, by promoting change and wider social and economic progress through the advancement of information technology, science and its practice.
BCS's vision is to be a world-class organisation for IT. To achieve this BCS ensures that the IT profession has the skills and capabilities to meet the IT demands of a changing world.
It is also very well known in the education sector by designing and offering various academic and industry leading IT qualifications. Their certifications are highly accredited by international universities and the IT industry in general.
The BCS is governed by a Trustee and has different grades of membership, depending on the experience and academic achievements. These include distinguished fellows, fellows, members, associates members and student members. The chartered status (CITP) is conferred to the most experienced, knowledgeable and responsible members.
www.bcs.org.mt