BCS ties with Pakistani IT sector

The British Computer Society (BCS) has formed a partnership with its Pakistani equivalent to share information and knowledge to assist ICT professionals in developing their careers through best practice and to enable Pakistan's IT industry to realise its potential.

Under this agreement, the two organisations are committed to supporting the development of international qualifications and best practice. Membership will be offered to both countries' members on a reciprocal basis. A key objective is to support the development and role of MBCS (Member of the British Computer Society) and Chartered Information Systems Practitioner (CISP) which leads to the status of Chartered Engineer, as given to those who satisfy the criteria laid down by the BCS.

Other qualifications to be offered through the alliance include those covering IT service management, IT support, software testing and information security.

Sesh Sukhdeo, International Development Director at the BCS commented: "Our alliance with the CSP is very strategic from the perspective that it supports some of the aspects of our Royal Charter; of supporting others, mobility, and professionalism".

"Interest in ICT skills and professionalism is extremely high in Pakistan where educational fairs, seminars and conferences focusing on the subject have been of tremendous appeal, attracting hundreds of delegates. With a growing number of members in Pakistan and the desire of the Computer Society of Pakistan to review its current role within Pakistan, we felt it was important to evaluate the needs of members and provide the support from the onset, hence the formation of our alliance."

A regional officer has been appointed to represent the BCS in Pakistan whose responsibilities include maintaining effective communication between all organisations and agencies involved. Additional duties include ensuring that BCS standards are maintained in line with the practices and code of conduct particularly relating to BCS examinations and membership.

Mr. Afzal, Joint Secretary of the Computer Society of Pakistan, said: "Since IT has gained significant importance in the local scene over the last five years, the CSP was looking into the possibilities of joining hands with an appropriate, similar, international organisation. We had evaluated various organisations and concluded that the BCS' overall objectives are very close to ours and together we could obtain maximum synergies to promote the cause of IT professionals in Pakistan and overseas. The CSP would like to bring its objectives, mission and goals in line with those of the BCS to achieve better synergies and international recognition for its professional members."

The BCS is authorising the Lahore based British Education Bureau (BEB) to act on its behalf in the region, giving it the status of welfare affiliate to the BCS. It claims that establishing a local presence and services in the country is critical if the BCS is to deliver best value to its members in Pakistan.

As part of its activities the BEB will undertake seminars and workshops on themes which add value to professionalism within ICT which will include career guidance and interpersonal skills development. It also plans to stage an annual event to celebrate the success of highest achieving students who have obtained top examination marks and graduated.

Further plans include the introduction of a Young Professional Group in Pakistan for which specific events will be organised focusing on career and skills development.

The BCS

The BCS was established in 1957 as the Chartered Engineering Institution for Information Systems professionals. It currently has almost 40,000 members and describes itself as the leading professional and learned Society in the field of computers and information technology.

At the time, the BCS was the only IT association on the Technology, Communications and Electronics Skills Strategy Group, which recommended that the IT sector should be added to the skill shortage register to allow fast track visas. See UKTECH's article "More news on Fast Track Visa Scheme" from May 2000 when the Government announced FTVs.

The BCS is also on the Skills Sector Panel which recommended the subsequent removal of IT from the skill shortage list in September 2002.