John Ivinson
1944 – 2007

Past President of the British Computing Society
Member of UK National Commission for UNESCO Communication and Information Committee
John Ivinson
1944 – 2007

John Ivinson, an active member of the UK National Commission for UNESCO and past president of the British Computing Society, passed away on 11 July 2007 at the age of 63.

John had worked in IT since 1967 - after graduating in geography and American studies. He was a consultant since 1972, working for a wide variety of organisations nationally and internationally, especially in system development, computer audit and project management.

He was a technical consultant to the UK Government's Action 2000 body for the year 2000 systems issue, and joint director of the Government's year 2000 Bug Busters Scheme. He joined the British Computing Society in 1967 and held many posts, including chairman of the Technical Board, the Royal Charter Committee, the International Policy Committee and the Professional and Public Affairs Board.

John sat on the DTI working party for the creation of an accredited certification scheme for BS7799 (Information Security Management) and on the BSI Committee for the Standard. He also wrote a report commissioned by the DTI on the IT-skills shortage problem, a perennial problem for the IT Profession, and acted as a one time Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology.

John was involved with the UK National Commission from its first reformation in 2000. He remained involved and committed during the period when the National Commission was abolished in 2003, played an active part in the campaign for the re-instatement and had been a key member ever since. John chaired the Information Society Working Group of the Communication and Information Committee and was also an active member of the UK National Commission’s Peace and Security cross-sectoral Working Group. He had contributed significantly to the development of its remits and work programme.

Ivor Gaber, Vice Chair of the UK National Commission’s Communication and Information Committee said “John first became involved through his Chairmanship of the British Computer Society, which I had invited to send a representative to the foundation meeting. John became an enthusiast for areas of activity that previously he had not come into contact with. Instead of staying inside an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) silo he engaged with the broad range of communication and information activity. He always offered a fresh and valuable perspective and his support for the World Press Freedom Day committee was tireless. ”

Sian Healey, Chair of the Communication & Information Committee added that, “Those of you who had met John knew him as someone who was engaged, constructive and generous and one who could find a humorous angle to most situations. He will be much missed at our committee and working group meetings. Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends.”

At the UK National Commission’s Annual Conference in Cardiff on 14 July, Alec Boksenberg, Chair of the UK National Commission, gave a short eulogy about John and his work for the UK National Commission.

Mr Abdul Waheed Khan, Assistant–Director General of the Communications and Information sector of UNESCO, said, “I remember John well from my visit to London. I have excellent memories of a true professional with a profound dedication to his work. His contribution to the C&I Committee was outstanding. I enjoyed immensely the chance to interact with John, who beyond his professional capacities, was a fine human being with admirable qualities of sincerity and generosity. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his colleagues as well as his family and friends.