Chair's letter
February 2008
I am pleased to be able to report that the Isle of Man International Section of the BCS continues to flourish. We now boast over 200 members in the Section, and are pleased that still more are considering the benefits of membership.
The Section has continued to look at ways of encouraging the use of ICT in all walks of life, and in June we will see the Annual Dinner and Awards evening where we recognise the effort of Students using ICT in the education. This year sees a new Award in recognition of John Thornley MBE, who retired last year as the Department of Education’s ICT Adviser – the Award is to recognise ICT work carried out in groups.
We have seen world renowned speakers come to talk to the Section, as well as having the first (and I am sure not the last) joint meeting with the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Management Institute. Monthly activities allow members to interact, and with the target of having diverse topics and some social events, there should be something to interest everyone. An annual survey of interests has helped in the planning of the activities – so when it comes please respond to it, as your input in valued.
The importance of the Section is recognised, and now representation from the BCS sits on the Chamber of Commerce ICT Strategy Committee, allowing input to this very active part of the Chamber. It is expected that other involvement will follow.
The Section is now registered as a Charity in the Isle of Man, (No 998), and this ensures we are able to work in a wide range of areas, proclaiming the message of professionalism in ICT, as well as being able to support others in their roles within ICT which otherwise may be limited.
We look forward to continued growth and development of the Section.
Tony Verrall
BTech BTech MEng CEng CITP FBCS MIOD AMRAeS
Chairman IOM Section of the BCS