The IT services industry should look to target female talent, says womenintechnology.com

By implementing flexible working practices, training and development programmes and challenging the geeky image of IT services jobs it is claimed that "female talent" could be attracted.

The British Computer Society (BCS) claims that women represent less than 30 per cent of academic and research staff in IT and computer sciences at UK universities.

Maggie Berry, director of womenintechnology.co.uk, said: "Uptake of more flexible working practices will also help attract, develop and retain female talent at all levels."

She added: "From graduates entering IT to women returning after a career break whose skills are invaluable to the industry."

Of the BSC's membership only 14 per cent are women, chair of the BCSWorkingroup Wendy Hall states that few women are involved in design and development of IT systems, leading to a vicious circle which discourages women from entering the profession.