The professional body for IT is calling on the government to address the diversity gap within the tech sector.
In a letter to the new technology secretary, the professional body for computing has highlighted that over 500,00 women are ‘missing’ from the UK’s IT sector.
Rashik Parmar MBE, CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT congratulated Peter Kyle MP on being appointed to lead the government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
BCS said it was ready to support his mission to transform public services and build trust in the power of AI and emerging technologies.
The letter goes on to outline the BCS membership community’s recommendations for government including supporting Chartered status for information technology professionals.
The letter also urges government to broaden and grow computing education, digital literacy programmes, and skills qualifications.
Closing the diversity gap in information technology is also a main priority. BCS found that over half a million women are ‘missing’ from the IT profession, who should be there is representation was equal to other sectors.
The over-50s, as well as people with disabilities, are also under-represented in the sector.
BCS is also calling for organisations to publish their policies on the ethical use of AI, and for companies to include cybersecurity experts on their boards.
The professional computing body argues that policies focusing on these areas can close the aspiration gap for individuals, and help UK companies compete on the world stage.
Source: DIGIT