Continuing big increases in demand for IT qualifications
pushed BCS income to a record £13.3m for the 2002-2003 financial
year, enabling major investment in services for members and in new
products.
The figures emerged from the society's recently published annual
report, which showed 15% growth in income from the BCS professional
examination, the Information Systems Examinations Board
certificates and diplomas, and the European computer driving
licence end-user qualification.
Well over 15,000 people a year are now working for IS Examinations
Board qualifications in topics ranging from IT service management
to security and system development. Extra sittings for the BCS
professional examination were introduced after a 30% growth in
candidate numbers. And the number of people taking the European
computer driving licence is approaching one million in the
UK.
This growth enabled further development of BCS web facilities, the
introduction of extra qualifications from the IS Examinations
Board, the launch of advanced modules in databases and presentation
in the European computer driving licence, and investment in a joint
venture to offer the computer driving licence in the Far East. More
staff were appointed to support these and other initiatives.
All this planned activity brought an expected reduction in surplus,
which nonetheless exceeded £1.1m.
BCS treasurer Mike Allen said the strong financial position and
operating performance would maintain stability and support planned
changes.
The BCS started expanding its web services in 2002-2003.
"A wealth of information and discussion groups are now online," the
annual report said. "Research aimed at gathering members' views to
respond to government documents or to improve information systems
practice is carried out online. Some groups, including the
governing council, now hold meetings via the web, enabling busy
senior professionals to contribute without having to attend
meetings.
"A new chief executive, David Clarke, brought IT marketing, online
media and leadership experience from the likes of Compaq and
Virgin.net. He campaigned forcefully for organisations to recognise
that project success demands professionally qualified
people."
The report praised the work of many of the society's 40,000
members. This has led to the formation of new BCS specialist groups
and other organisations.
The IT Strategy Forum was set up after BCS meetings with senior
civil servants, who wanted a way to gather industry views on key
issues.
A professional registration body for people in IT in healthcare
was formed by the BCS and two health organisations. IT 4
Communities was formed by the BCS and others to encourage IT staff
and employers to volunteer their skills in their local
communities.