Resources: Professional Organisations
British Computer Society (BCS)
The BCS is the British Computer Society. It is the professional body for the IT industry working through networks of regional branches, forums, specialist groups and strategic panels.
The goal of the BCS is to advance the professionalism of the IT sector and to champion members' interests. This includes a deep involvement in IT training including initaiatives such as the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) scheme and advanced academic courses in addition to the ISEB portfolio.
ISACA
Originally the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA now goes by its acronym only.
With 65,000 members in more than 140 countries ISACA provides education, resource sharing, advocacy, and professional networking.
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is ISACA's cornerstone certification. Since 1978, the CISA exam has measured excellence in IS auditing, control and security. The CISA certification has been earned by more than 50,000 professionals since inception and has grown to be a globally recognised symbol of achievement.
ISEB
The Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) is a division of the BCS and is the examining body for many IT and Programme and Project Support Office qualifications
ISM
The ISM or Institute of Service Managers provides guidance and support to individuals throughout the IT Service Management community. The Institute aims to ensure that requirements for professionalism and ethical conduct are maintained and developed.
The Institute aims to achieve this by:
- accrediting an individual's level of professional competence and integrity through the award of differing grades of membership
- ensuring members participate in continuing professional development
- defining the standards expected for professional conduct, through the institute's code of conduct and the associated disciplinary procedures
The ISM is closely linked to the itSMF who's members are organisations rather than individuals.
itSMF
The itSMF is the IT Service Management Forum, an internationally recognised not for profit organisation representing IT professionals worldwide.
The itSMF has supported the development of ITIL as a central vehicle to achieve its goal of excellence in ITSM. ItSMF International provides central cohesion and direction whilst over 40 chapters provide unique international reach.
NCC
The NCC or National Computing Centre is a leading independent IT membership organisation, serving corporate, vendor and government communities.
It focuses on the effective management and use of IT to help maximise the competitiveness of members' businesses. Through its Institute for IT Training (IITT) division it provides accreditation of many UK training providers to help maintain and improve industry standards.
SOCITM
The Society of Information Technology Managers is the professional association for ICT managers working in and for the public sector.
Members are drawn primarily from local authorities but also from the police and fire services, housing authorities and other locally delivered public service.
With over 1900 members from 550 different organisations including 98% of all UK local authorities, Socitm provides a widely respected forum for the promotion, use and development of ICT best practice. It also plays a leading role in the implementation of local e-government in the UK.