Saying that we live in unprecedented times might be an understatement if there ever was one. People across the globe – those lucky enough to still have their job that is – have been forced to learn how to work from home, with the noise of children demanding attention, pets barking in the background and no chance to go out for a Friday night pint to wind down.
But, if there is an industry that doesn’t shy away from change and has had to adapt time and again, that is IT. And in these especially trying times, ISACA has once again stepped up to support its members as they navigate this new way of working. Formerly the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA was created to assist Information Technology practitioners in their career, advancing their professional development with educational events, training courses and continuing professional education (CPE). Today, ISACA serves 145,000 professionals in 180 countries, who span several roles in assurance, governance, risk and information security (isaca.org).
The London Chapter of ISACA established in 1989, is committed to “Supporting London in being the global leader across the digital economy by empowering professional education and development in Governance, Privacy, Risk, Information & Cyber Security and Assurance.” To do so, the ISACA London Chapter has now instituted a new Membership Assistance program, which is aimed to help members to manage the challenges introduced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through Health Assured, the London Chapter is now able to offer a confidential benefit designed specifically to help IT professionals deal with their work or home life, health and general wellbeing.
The program covers members and their immediate family members, offering 24/7 assistance, unlimited access to counselling for emotional problems and legal advice for any issues that may be a source of stress or anxiety. Furthermore, through Health Assured, members will be covered for bereavement support and will be able to avail themselves of a medical information helpline, run by qualified nurses that can offer not only a sympathetic ear, but also practical healthcare advice and information.
ISACA is also working extensively to close the skills gap in the Information Technology sector. In fact, among other benefits, an ISACA membership offers access to over 60 free CPEs per year, CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC certifications – with discounts for study material – and Career Centre Enhancements, which give professionals access to more jobs, more robust tools for job seekers and a free job board for freelances (live soon!). Members also receive the bimonthly ISACA Journal, which covers the relevant news in the industry, with exclusive access to a prestigious online platform: the Knowledge Centre – for IT professionals to exchange ideas with their peers.
For anyone wishing to join the volunteering program, ISACA has opened its doors to individuals who are looking to develop relationships with industry leaders, thus offering IT professionals a chance to boost their career development while gaining valuable industry insight. More information on the ISACA London Chapter is available here: https://engage.isaca.org/londonchapter/home
