There were some interesting reaction to my blog on ‘Changing societies’ in which I also talked about the Medieval Guilds in the early North and South European City Sates; indicating that many of our modern large cities do resemble the old City States.

I received an email from a long time telecoms colleague John Colwell. He indicated to me that he is a liveryman of one of the London Guilds, The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

While the role of the London Guilds is still largely local, some, led by Pilots one, are also reaching out to the world. When this Guild became a livery company in 1956 it was the first new London Guild in more than 300 years. (81st in seniority). There are now well over 100 including the Information Technologists. In 1969, the Pilots Guild was the first to open a branch outside of London (in Australia).

The charitable works of the London Guilds are alive and well. They have benevolent funds which is used for assistance to members of the profession who have fallen on hard times. In addition, they make awards to people who have made exceptional contributions to the profession or have performed heroic deeds. Such awards are presented at formal dinners with great pomp and ceremony, often in the London Guildhall. The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award has been given to two Australian crews, one for a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race rescue and another to a rescue by the Westpac Life Saver crew of a 5 year old child at the bottom of the cliff at Mt. Kiera at night in bad weather.

In a community sense, they provide advice freely to governments and regulators. They listen to these Guilds because they give advice based on professional and technical considerations rather than political, commercial or industrial.

The Guild for our industry is the “Worshipful Company of Information Technologists” and it includes telecommunications. The current Master has a background which includes management of a BT subsidiary. They were the 100th Livery Company of the City of London. Thier members are all senior IT professionals who have joined the Company in order to give something back to the IT sector and the wider community.

They have a significant charitable and educational programme which uses the expertise, resources and networks of our members, and we are also involved in a range of activities to promote the Information Technology profession

For more info: http://www.wcit.org.uk