Growing the Profession (and Why Chartered Matters)

As digital technologies continue to underpin critical economic and social functions, the requirement for a highly competent, ethical and professionally accountable IT workforce has become increasingly evident. In this presentation, BCS Immediate Past President Alastair Revell examines the role of Chartered professionalism in strengthening the maturity and credibility of the IT profession. The session will outline the enduring relevance of the BCS Code of Conduct and the Royal Charter, emphasising how transparent, rigorous professional standards contribute to public trust and support the responsible development and operation of digital systems.

Drawing on recent BCS research, the presentation will provide an evidence‑based assessment of contemporary professional practice within the digital sector. Key insights include the ethical challenges regularly encountered by practitioners, the evolving expectations surrounding areas such as artificial intelligence and cyber security, and the ways in which structured pathways—such as Chartered status and professional registration—can assist both individuals and organisations in meeting these demands. These findings will be contextualised within broader discussions about competence, accountability and the professional obligations of those working in the field.

These initiatives reflect BCS’s ongoing commitment to supporting higher standards of practice and encouraging the continued evolution of the profession. The audience will gain a clear understanding of how strengthened approaches to professionalism can contribute to the delivery of trustworthy, high‑quality digital services and reinforce the long‑term standing of the IT profession within society.