BCS 2005 IT Professional Awards Open for Entries

BCS Press Release 22/02/05

The British Computer Society (BCS) announced the categories and entry deadlines for its 2005 IT Professional Awards, which have developed into the UK's leading event recognising excellence, professionalism and innovation in the IT industry.

Last year's awards saw a 55% increase in entries over the year before - and the ceremony, at which 22 awards were distributed, was attended by a record near-800 people.

"We are expecting an increase in entries again this year as more and more people recognise the BCS IT Professional Awards as the best way to gain recognition for industry best practice," said BCS President David Morriss. "The awards are intended to mirror the constant changes in the IT industry. This year we are recognising developments in the rapidly growing mobile computing sector and will continue last year's focus on women in IT, which remains as timely an issue as ever."

The awards comprise five categories: Technology Awards, Business Achievement Awards, Individual Excellence Awards, President's Awards and Flagship Awards. Details of these categories are as follows:

• Technology Awards entries are due 24 March. This category focuses on excellence in computing within the context of business value and social benefit. This year, Technology Awards will be given in the following areas: Applications, Services, Systems and Social Contribution.
• Business Achievement Awards entries are due 7 April. Awards will be given to the best management team or organisation in the following subcategories: Public Sector/Not for Profit/Charitable Organisations; Financial & Related Services; Commercial & Industrial; and Small Organisations (up to 100 employees).
• Individual Excellence Awards entries are due 24 June. The subcategories include: Young IT Practitioner of the Year; IT Trainer of the Year; IT Consultant of the Year; IT Director of the Year (from organisations with fewer than 250 employees); IT Director of the Year (from organisations with more than 250 employees); Project Manager of the Year; Business Analyst of the Year; IT Developer of the Year (Applications); IT Developer of the Year (Infrastructure); and Marval IT Service Manager of the Year.
• President's Awards entries are due 24 June. Chosen every year by the BCS president to recognise timely areas of interest to the industry, this year David Morriss has selected Mobile Computing and Women in IT.
• Flagship Awards include the BCS Achievement Award 2005, given to the most meritorious winner of the four business achievement awards, and the BCS Technology Award 2005, given to the most innovative medallist of the four technology categories.

Applicants must first register with the BCS by filling out a registration form (available on (http://www.bcs.org/Awards/Professional) and submitting an entry fee of £55 + VAT.

Entries will be reviewed by judging panels comprised of qualified academics and industry experts who will determine a second stage shortlist. The judges will then undertake site visits and interview those on the shortlist - with the task of selecting medallists from this group. Finally, winners will be selected from the medallists and announced at a dinner ceremony to be held at the Hilton Park Lane in London on 29 September.

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