To further advance diversity in the IT workforce, BCS has signed up to the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) CEO Charter.

The move was announced at W-Tech 2009 an event, organised by the BCS Women's Forum and recruitment portal womenintechnology.co.uk.

The UKRC CEO Charter is a visible commitment from the CEO or senior management of organisations within science, engineering and technology (SET) to implement positive culture change to increase the participation and progression of women. It complements the Athena SWAN charter for higher education. David Clarke, BCS CEO said: 'BCS is signing up to this Charter to show our commitment to encouraging diversity across the industry. IT is at the heart of almost every business and is central to most aspects of our everyday lives; therefore the IT profession should represent a cross section of society.'BCS already plays an active role in supporting women in, and encouraging more women into, the IT profession through activities run by its Women's Forum and Women's Group. W-Tech, a free recruitment showcase in London aimed at women who want to get into, or get on in IT is one example of the type of activity the organisation undertakes. Rebecca George, Chair of BCS Women's Forum added: 'I am calling on all employers of IT professionals to sign up to this charter and to commit actively to encourage a diverse candidate list, including women, for internal promotions and external hires. 'The Charter' By signing up to the Charter, the CEO and senior management of each signature company makes a commitment to:

1. Actively support the aim of increasing the participation, at all levels, of women in SET
2. Develop and communicate the business case for gender equality within their company, their supply chain and their wider networks
3. Promote and showcase their company's approach and examples of best practice at relevant events and forums
4. Develop clearly defined strategies and implement practices which encourage women to enter and progress in, or return to, SET careers

Annette Williams, Director of the UKRC, said: 'The UKRC welcomes this important commitment from BCS through signing the CEO Charter. BCS joins a growing community of leading organisations and professional bodies pledging to take active steps to improve gender equality within their own practice and across their wide spheres of influence. We look forward to working together on the next steps.'