Gillian Arnold FBCS has been announced as the new President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and Professor Sue Black OBE, Professor of Computer Science at Durham University and Technology Evangelist, becomes Deputy President.
Visit Archives of IT’s interview with Sue Black OBE
Gillian, previous Chair of BCSWomen where she steered it to a UN award for their work for Women in Tech, moves up from her role as BCS’s Vice President to President, replacing Mayank Prakash.
Increasing Public Trust
She has called for the industry to focus on increasing public trust in tech through ethics and professionalism.
“As the professional body for IT, we recognise the ever-increasing importance of professionalism and code of conduct for those working in the sector – particularly in light of the rise of AI,” she said.
“My focus as BCS President will be on helping to build public trust in tech through ethics and standards, and frameworks of professionalism.”
With extensive experience in the IT industry, Gillian setup her own IT Training and Diversity Recuitment company, Tectre, which helps women find technology roles. Gillian’s early career was spent working for IBM where she held customer facing training, technical, sales, business development, strategic marketing and consultancy roles.
Long involvement with Women in IT
Gillian has a long involvement with work for Women in IT, supporting both industry and academic institutions in their work on diversity.
She currently leads the CEPIS Women in Tech Taskforce, working across greater Europe, and created the DiversIT Charter for them. She has won numerous accolades for her work on Women in Tech including the 2012 Cisco/Everywoman In Technology award; Inclusion Inspiration of the year, an entry in the Computer Weekly Hall of Fame, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath.
Making technology good for society
Rashik Parmar, Group CEO at BCS said: “As President of BCS, supported by our newly appointed Deputy President – Sue Black, she will give BCS a powerful voice, in particular – addressing the issue of public trust in relation to tech – as we continue to pursue our aim to make technology good for society.
Gillian’s experience and insight will contribute greatly to the Institute. She has made an outstanding contribution to information technology at the highest levels across the sector.”
Sue Black said: “Having been involved with BCS since the 1990s, including setting up the UK’s first online network for women in tech BCSWomen, I am really looking forward to working with Gillian, engaging with members and supporting BCS colleagues.”
