31.03.2026

In what we could call an Easter edition of The Source we give you a round up of what we’ve been focusing on over the last three months. Whether you are a student member or fellow we encourage you to find your voice at the IAP. By connecting with other we can all learn from and support each other. Why not join in with one of our monthly Dev Cafe meeting online, watch or even present a webinar or provide an article for a blog. However you wish to become involved, we welcome your views, ideas and insight. Email admin@iap.org. Until then, enjoy the Easter break (and the chocolate!).

Blogs: What are we talking about?

Every week a new blog appears on the IAP website. Whether it’s from today’s news or a deep dive into an ongoing issue we try to choose content that is relevant to our members. Why not take a look on our blog page. Here are the highlights from the last three months:

The Progress and Challenges of Quantum Computing

Recent years have brought steady technical progress toward practical quantum computing systems, sitting between promise and practicality. It is not yet transformative but it is steadily advancing. When quantum computing has evolved from laboratory theory into a strategic priority it will be the beginning of the quantum era. Read the blog: www.iap.org.uk/quantum-computing-in-2026

The AI Safety Summit

World Leaders met at Bletchley Park in 2023 to discuss the use of AI, government power, and the ethics of control.The AI Safety Summit & Bletchley Declaration was agreed. For software professionals, the debate reinforces the importance of developing technologies that are not only powerful, but also trustworthy, transparent, and accountable. Read the blog: www.iap.org.uk/ai-safety-summit-bletchley-declaration

Claude Code: The Next Phase in AI Coding

Claude Code goes beyond a traditional chatbot—it, operating as a general-purpose AI agent capable of taking real actions within your codebase and on your computer. There are many AI tools out there to aid the work of software developers but as at the time of writing Claude seem to be market leaders. Read the blog: www.iap.org.uk/is-this-a-new-era-for-software-developers

Upcoming Events: Dev Café

Every first Thursday, once a month, we gather online for a Dev Café Rendezvous. The meeting is open to all members. It starts at 11am and takes place virtually on Microsoft Teams. During the roughly 90 minute meeting members can share news, ideas or concerns or can ask for advice or inspiration. A Teams link is sent to members by email prior to each meeting. Here are the next few dates for your 2026 diary:

Thursday 2nd April, Thursday 7th May, 4th June, 2nd July.

Upcoming Events: Webinars

Webinars are planned for 21st March and 24th April 2026, so save the dates. More information to follow. Take a look at past webinars on the IAP YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/iap-channel

Stay Connected: Blogs & Social Media

The content of our weekly blogs and more are posted across several social media platforms. Click on the following links to make sure you’re following us. We encourage you to like, share and comment:

Facebook: @InstitutionOfAnalystsAndProgrammers

X: @IAP_ORG_UK

LinkedIn: @the-institution-of-analysts-and-programmers

Instagram: @iap_org_uk

Be Supported: IAP Benefits

Here’s a reminder of some of the benefits that come with your IAP membership:

– Looking for new commissions and opportunities? Add your details to the FIND A CONSULTANT list

– Looking for work in the IT field? Go to our live Totaljobs board on the CAREERS IN IT page

– For insurance and pension scheme offers go to the BUSINESS SUPPORT page

– Discounted computer supplies, books and hotel stays are listed on the MEMBER BENEFITS page

 

Did You Know: Software Development & Coding

– There are over 700 separate programming languages, though only about a dozen are widely used.

– The programming language Python was named after the comedy group Monty Python not a snake.

– Most developers spend far more time understanding, maintaining, and analyzing existing code than writing new code.

– Cut, Copy and Paste was invented in 1981 by Larry Tesler saving millions of hours worldwide.