49-574: The British Computer Society ( BCS ), branded BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT , since 2009, is a professional body and a learned society that represents those working in information technology (IT), computing , software engineering , computer engineering and computer science , both in the United Kingdom and internationally. Founded in 1957, BCS has played an important role in educating and nurturing IT professionals, computer scientists, software engineers, computer engineers, upholding
98-658: A Fellow of the Royal Society . Wilkes was a founder member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and its first president (1957–1960). He received the Turing Award in 1967, with the following citation: "Professor Wilkes is best known as the builder and designer of the EDSAC, the first computer with an internally stored program. Built in 1949, the EDSAC used a mercury delay-line memory . He
147-693: A computer could be controlled by a miniature, highly specialised computer program in high-speed ROM . This concept greatly simplified CPU development. Microprogramming was first described at the University of Manchester Computer Inaugural Conference in 1951, then expanded and published in IEEE Spectrum in 1955. This concept was implemented for the first time in EDSAC 2 , which also used multiple identical "bit slices" to simplify design. Interchangeable, replaceable tube assemblies were used for each bit of
196-461: A profession or occupation in which the organisation maintains an oversight of the knowledge, skills, conduct and practice of that profession or occupation". The Quality Assurance Agency distinguishes between statutory bodies and regulators that "have powers mandated by Parliament to regulate a profession or group of professions and protect the use of professional titles" and professional bodies that "are independent membership organisations that oversee
245-588: A ring topology to allocate time on the network. The laboratory initially used a prototype to share peripherals. Eventually, commercial partnerships were formed, and similar technology became widely available in the UK. Wilkes received a number of distinctions: he was a Knight Bachelor , Distinguished Fellow of the British Computer Society , a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and
294-399: A wide range of qualifications for IT professionals covering major areas including Management, Development, Service Delivery and Quality. BCS via FEDIP provides 4 different professional registration levels for health and care informatics professionals: Practitioner, Senior Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, Leading Practitioner. FEDIPAdvPra – post-nominals for Advanced Practitioner. FEDIP
343-407: A year before the much larger and more complex EDVAC. In 1950, along with David Wheeler, Wilkes used EDSAC to solve a differential equation relating to gene frequencies in a paper by Ronald Fisher . This represents the first use of a computer for a problem in the field of biology . In 1951, he developed the concept of microprogramming from the realisation that the central processing unit of
392-627: Is a qualification that allows individuals to improve and certify their typing skills. The average user can save up to 21 days a year by improving their typing speed as well as preventing repetitive strain injury (RSI). e-type comes with full support materials and computer-based courseware before allowing the user to assess their skills using a simple online test. Digital Creator is a set of engaging qualifications that teach digital media skills through creative projects. They are designed for all types and ages of learners – in schools from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 and in all areas of adult learning. The BCS ITQ
441-544: Is a range of IT user qualifications made up of a combination of units available on the ITQ framework. The framework consists of a wide range of units covering all aspects of IT user applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, the internet, multimedia software and design software. BCS also offers professional qualifications via its Professional Certifications board, formerly known as ISEB ( Information Systems Examination Board ). Professional Certifications (ISEB) provides
490-513: Is a representative body of the membership, with members elected directly by the professional membership, and by the Branches, Groups and Forums. The Fellow of the BCS (FBCS) title is conferred on individuals to recognise their outstanding achievements and contributions to Information Technology (engineering, product management, business leadership, etc). Fellows are expected to give something back to
539-426: Is a series for conference and workshop proceedings, published by the BCS, also available open access via ScienceOpen . Professional body A professional association (also called a professional body , professional organization , or professional society ) is a group that usually seeks to further a particular profession , the interests of individuals and organisations engaged in that profession, and
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#1732802184199588-474: Is also known as the author, with David Wheeler and Stanley Gill , of a volume on Preparation of Programs for Electronic Digital Computers in 1951, in which program libraries were effectively introduced." In 1968 he received the Harry H. Goode Memorial Award , with the following citation: "For his many original achievements in the computer field, both in engineering and software, and for his contributions to
637-662: Is complex and open to a certain amount of interpretation. The accepted authority on this subject is Debrett's Correct Form . Normally these should appear after decorations, degrees and chartered letters. Members holding CEng should also display the designatory letters of the institution through which they are registered immediately after the CEng. Conventionally, members holding Chartered status ( CITP ) display this immediately after their membership letters (e.g., FBCS CITP or MBCS CITP). However, as CITP may now be awarded by other organisations it may also be displayed separately, following that of
686-582: Is the Federation for Informatics Professionals in Health and Social Care, a collaboration between the leading professional bodies in health and care informatics supporting the development of the informatics profession. The e-Citizen qualification allows beginners to get online and start using the Internet. The qualification has been designed to provide a basic understanding of the Internet and to start using
735-617: The Computer History Museum "for his contributions to computer technology, including early machine design, microprogramming, and the Cambridge Ring network." In 2002, Wilkes moved back to the Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, as an emeritus professor. In his memoirs Wilkes wrote: I well remember when this realization first came on me with full force. The EDSAC was on the top floor of
784-634: The Moore School of Electrical Engineering . He had to read it overnight because he had to return it and no photocopying facilities existed. He decided immediately that the document described the logical design of future computing machines, and that he wanted to be involved in the design and construction of such machines. In August 1946 Wilkes travelled by ship to the United States to enroll in the Moore School Lectures , of which he
833-864: The Seoul Accord for international tertiary degree recognition, and the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education EQANIE . BCS was previously a member organisation of the Science Council , through which it was licensed to award the designation of Chartered Scientist . BCS has an office in London. The main administrative offices are in Swindon , Wiltshire , west of London. It also has two overseas offices in Sri Lanka and Mauritius . Members are sent
882-611: The Silver Jubilee Year in 1982–1983. On 21 September 2009, the British Computer Society went through a transformation and re-branded itself as "BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT". In 2010, an Extraordinary General Meeting was called to discuss the direction of the BCS. The debate has been covered by the computing press. BCS is governed by a Trustee Board comprising the President, the Deputy President,
931-531: The University of Bath . In 1993 Wilkes was presented, by Cambridge University, with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. In 1994 he was inducted as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery . He was awarded the Mountbatten Medal in 1997 and in 2000 presented the inaugural Pinkerton Lecture . He was knighted in the 2000 New Years Honours List . In 2001, he was inducted as a Fellow of
980-593: The University of Cambridge Mathematical Laboratory (later known as the Computer Laboratory). The Cambridge laboratory initially had many different computing devices, including a differential analyser . One day Leslie Comrie visited Wilkes and lent him a copy of John von Neumann 's prepress description of the EDVAC , a successor to the ENIAC under construction by Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at
1029-509: The ionosphere . He was appointed to a junior faculty position of the University of Cambridge , through which he was involved in the establishment of a computing laboratory. He was called up for military service during World War II and worked on radar at the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE) and in operational research . In 1945, Wilkes was appointed as the second director of
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#17328021841991078-426: The public interest . In the United States, such an association is typically a nonprofit business league for tax purposes. In the UK, they may take a variety of legal forms. The roles of professional associations have been variously defined: "A group of people in a learned occupation who are entrusted with maintaining control or oversight of the legitimate practice of the occupation;" also a body acting "to safeguard
1127-415: The suffix CITP . The BCS keeps a register of current Chartered Members and Fellows. Other Professional membership bodies apply to the BCS for a licence that enables them to award CITP to their eligible members. BCS has different grades of membership: Members are encouraged to display the designatory letters to which they are entitled whenever appropriate. The order of designatory (post-nominal) letters
1176-539: The BCS was given Armorial Bearings including the shield and crest. The major ethical responsibilities of BCS are emphasised by the leopard's face, surmounting the whole crest and depicting eternal vigilance over the integrity of the Society and its members. The BCS patron is The Duke of Kent , KG . He became patron in December 1976 and has been actively involved in BCS activities, particularly having been President in
1225-734: The Fellows Technical Advisory Group (F-TAG). F-TAG provides technical thought leadership governance for BCS, informing policy positions and content. The BCS is the only professional body in the United Kingdom with the ability to grant chartered status to IT professionals under its Royal Charter , granted to them by the Privy Council . Thus having the ability to grant Chartered (Professional) status to both its Fellows and Professional members. Known as Chartered IT Professional , they are entitled to use
1274-551: The Honorary Officers – the President, the Deputy President and up to nine Vice-Presidents, together with the immediate past President and five members of Council. Lists of Trust Board and Advisory Council members are maintained online. The Advisory Council provides advice to the Trustee Board on the direction and operation of BCS; in particular, it is consulted on strategic plans and the annual budget. The Council
1323-606: The UK, 16 international sections and over 50 specialist groups. The UK branches are: In September 2010, BCS sponsored the one-off 'Digital Revolutions Film Workshop' for amateurs and professionals to "hone their skills", and in October 2010, in conjunction with Sheffield Doc/Fest , sponsored the 'Digital Revolutions Film Competition'. BCS magazines include: Their journals are mostly published by Oxford University Press and include: Electronic Workshops in Computing (eWiC)
1372-414: The activities of a particular profession and represent the interests of [their] members" and which "may offer registration or certification of unregulated occupations on a voluntary basis." Many professional bodies are involved in accrediting degrees, defining and examining the skills and competencies necessary to practice, and granting professional certifications to indicate that a person is qualified in
1421-575: The awarding institution. The society provides several awards to recognise outstanding computer scientists, engineers, experienced and young IT professionals. The awards include: BCS provides a range of qualifications both for users of computers and for IT professionals. BCS offers qualifications that cover all areas of IT, including understanding Spreadsheets and Presentation Software, Animation, Video Editing and Social Networking safety. The current IT user qualifications are: BCS conducts its own BCS Higher Education Qualifications in many countries. It
1470-544: The benefit of professional practitioners and the general public. BCS is a member institution of the Engineering Council , through which it is licensed to award the designation of Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer and therefore is responsible for the regulation of ICT and computer science fields within the UK. The BCS is also a member of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies ,
1519-435: The building and the tape-punching and editing equipment one floor below. ... It was on one of my journeys between the EDSAC room and the punching equipment that "hesitating at the angles of stairs" the realization came over me with full force that a good part of the remainder of my life was going to be spent in finding errors in my own programs. Wilkes married classicist Nina Twyman in 1947. She died in 2008, he in 2010. Wilkes
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1568-509: The earliest stored program computers , and who invented microprogramming , a method for using stored-program logic to operate the control unit of a central processing unit 's circuits. At the time of his death, Wilkes was an Emeritus Professor at the University of Cambridge . Wilkes was born in Dudley , Worcestershire , England the only child of Ellen (Helen), née Malone (1885–1968) and Vincent Joseph Wilkes (1887–1971), an accounts clerk at
1617-616: The estate of the Earl of Dudley . He grew up in Stourbridge , West Midlands, and was educated at King Edward VI College, Stourbridge . During his school years he was introduced to amateur radio by his chemistry teacher. He studied the Mathematical Tripos at St John's College, Cambridge , from 1931 to 1934, and in 1936 completed his PhD in physics on the subject of radio propagation of very long radio waves in
1666-465: The growth of professional society activities and to international cooperation among computer professionals." In 1972, Wilkes was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science by Newcastle University . In 1980, he retired from his professorships and post as the head of the Computer Laboratory and joined the central engineering staff of Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard, Massachusetts , US. Wilkes
1715-493: The immediate past President, up to nine Vice Presidents (including Vice-President Finance), and five Professional Members elected by the Advisory Council. Sir Maurice Wilkes , Professor of Computer Science at Cambridge University, served as its first president. Each president serves for a 2-year term. A list of presidents of the British Computer Society can be found on the BCS website. The BCS Advisory Council elects
1764-504: The processor. The next computer for his laboratory was the Titan , a joint venture with Ferranti Ltd begun in 1963. It eventually supported the UK's first time-sharing system which was inspired by CTSS and provided wider access to computing resources in the university, including time-shared graphics systems for mechanical CAD . A notable design feature of the Titan's operating system
1813-553: The profession, accrediting Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, and creating a global community active in promoting and furthering the field and practice of computing. With a worldwide membership of 57,625 members as of 2021, BCS is a registered charity and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1984. Its objectives are to promote the study and application of communications technology and computing technology and to advance knowledge of education in ICT for
1862-553: The profession, by promoting and evangelising the profession to the public and society, and contributing to debates in conferences, panels, meetings, etc. Fellows are nominated to the society each year and have to be supported by one or more existing fellows. Criteria for election to fellow include: Current fellows include distinguished individuals from industries and universities. Some of the prominent fellows include: The society also awards Honorary Fellowships. Examples include: Since July 2021, Fellows are eligible to be appointed to
1911-460: The public interest;" organizations which "represent the interest of the professional practitioners," and so "act to maintain their own privileged and powerful position as a controlling body." Professional associations are ill defined although often have commonality in purpose and activities. In the UK the Science Council defines a professional body as "an organisation with individual members practicing
1960-418: The quarterly IT professional magazine ITNOW (formerly The Computer Bulletin ). BCS is a member organisation of the Federation of Enterprise Architecture Professional Organizations (FEAPO), a worldwide association of professional organisations which have come together to provide a forum to standardise, professionalise, and otherwise advance the discipline of Enterprise Architecture . The forerunner of BCS
2009-603: The subject area. Many professional bodies also act as learned societies for the academic disciplines underlying their professions, such as the American Statistical Association . Maurice Wilkes Sir Maurice Vincent Wilkes (26 June 1913 – 29 November 2010 ) was an English computer scientist who designed and helped build the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC), one of
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2058-471: The way for high-level programming languages . Later, Wilkes worked on an early timesharing system (now termed a multi-user operating system) and distributed computing . Toward the end of the 1960s, Wilkes also became interested in capability-based computing , and the laboratory assembled a unique computer, the Cambridge CAP . In 1974, Wilkes encountered a Swiss data network (at Hasler AG) that used
2107-440: The web safely, from reading email to shopping online. M_o_R Foundation is suitable for any organisation or individual seeing the need for guidance on a controlled approach to identification, assessment and control risk at strategic, programme, project and operational perspectives. In common with many professional institutions, BCS has a number of regional branches and specialist groups. Currently, there are 45 regional branches in
2156-535: Was awarded the Faraday Medal by the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1981. The Maurice Wilkes Award , awarded annually for an outstanding contribution to computer architecture made by a young computer scientist or engineer, is named after him. In 1986, he returned to England and became a member of Olivetti 's Research Strategy Board. In 1987, he was awarded an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Science) by
2205-470: Was formerly known as BCS Professional Examinations which consisted of Parts 1 and 2 of which passing of Part 2 with the professional project was equivalent to a British honours degree. These programs had an early history of success, with participants coming from all parts of the world, including Asia. Many private computing schools outside the UK have hosted students in preparation for BCS Part 1 and 2 examinations. The level of current qualifications are: e-type
2254-454: Was not to invent a better computer, but simply to make one available to the university. Therefore, his approach was relentlessly practical. He used only proven methods for constructing each part of the computer. The resulting computer was slower and smaller than other planned contemporary computers. However, his laboratory's computer was the second practical stored-program computer to be completed and operated successfully from May 1949, well over
2303-450: Was only able to attend the final two weeks because of various travel delays. During the five-day return voyage to England, Wilkes sketched out in some detail the logical structure of the machine which would become EDSAC. Since his laboratory had its own funding, he was immediately able to start work on a small practical machine, EDSAC (for "Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator"), once back at Cambridge. He decided that his mandate
2352-435: Was that it provided controlled access based on the identity of the program, as well as or instead of, the identity of the user. It introduced the password encryption system used later by Unix . Its programming system also had an early version control system. Wilkes is also credited with the idea of symbolic labels, macros and subroutine libraries. These are fundamental developments that made programming much easier and paved
2401-478: Was the "London Computer Group" (LCG), founded in 1956. BCS was formed a year later from the merger of the LCG and an unincorporated association of scientists into an unincorporated club. In October 1957, BCS was incorporated, by Articles of Association , as "The British Computer Society Ltd": the first President of BCS was Sir Maurice Wilkes (1913–2010), FRS . In 1966, the BCS was granted charitable status and in 1970,
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