The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is the 100th livery company of the City of London, combining centuries-old tradition with a modern focus, energy and innovation. Alistair has been a member for over 25 years and was Master in 2021-2022.
Like all livery companies, we look to give something back to the industry and community, and focus on four pillars of activity:
Charity – we raise money and provide IT skills to improve lives through a range of charitable vehicles;
Education – we built Hammersmith Academy (with the Mercers) and support other schools;
Industry and Commerce – we help to promote and shape the IT industry and run several schemes (including with the Royal Signals) to smooth the path of men and women into the industry; and
Fellowship – where, simply, we have a full programme of social activity. We are the only one of the “new” livery companies to have its own hall, and in 2017 we celebrated our silver jubilee, 25 years after our grant of livery.
The Company was formed in 1992, has a Royal Charter, its own Thames Cutter and its own Livery Hall at 39a Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7JN. Its website is here.
The WCIT Charity which distributes money to various charities can be found here.
In 2019, we are proud to have made grants worth over £440,000, supporting over 20 charities. To read more about our impact, please read our latest Annual Review
We have four priority areas on which we focus our donations:
- Enhancing opportunity for young people through more effective education
2. Improving quality of life for the disadvantaged and disabled and socially excluded
3. Helping charities and other not-for-profit organisations get the best out of IT
4. Improving the understanding of IT and its capabilities to the wider public