BCS CEO says results of EGM endorse transformation programme

However, concerns raised would be considered going forward

David Clarke: Results of EGM endorsed strategy

Following the BCS Chartered Institute for IT's Emergency General Meeting (EGM) yesterday, CEO David Clarke told Computing that although the organisation's strategy had been roundly endorsed, he and and the trustee board would take into consideration the member concerns that had led to the EGM.

"The feedback we got from talking to branch and specialist member groups was that they wanted more consultation and conversation with the organisation regarding its direction. We will act on that. It's much the same as when we conduct an annual survey at the AGM, we look at all the responses of our members and they inform decisions we make going forward."

Clarke continued: "It is interesting that many of the issues raised were around member consultation and communication, and we are currently addressing these. We are halfway through and have spent more than half of the transformation money (£5m) on developing web-enhanced capabilities for our member network. Perhaps some of the older members had discarded details explaining how the money was being spent and so weren't aware of our plans, but knowing this helps our understanding, and we have to explore other ways of getting this information to them.

"There were some historic issues raised around the transparency of member groups and how they are funded, and although the funding has increased year on year, we will look at these concerns."

Some members of the organisation had voiced concerns around the BCS raising revenue from some of its products. However, Clarke explained that commercial activities were necessary for the BCS to supplement members' fees to enable the provision of members' services and activities. "We also have a charter to educate the public with regard to issues around IT and this costs money," he said.