BCS is a professional body, a learned society, a nominated body, an awarding body and a registered charity. As a professional body, BCS represents its members and the IT profession as a whole on issues of importance, and liaises with other professional bodies, the government, industry and academics to initiate and inform debate on IT strategic issues. As a learned society, BCS is governed by a Royal Charter, which defines its purpose: to promote the study and practice of Computing and to advance knowledge and education for the benefit of the public. BCS is licensed by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineer status (CEng) and Incorporated Engineer status (IEng). The Institute also has a licence from the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist status (CSci). BCS is also a registered charity, and has to comply with standards set out by the Charity Commission and Charities Bill in the United Kingdom.