Fears that IT is no longer being taken seriously are spawning high levels of churn among chief information officers.

A survey of over 650 UK CIOs has shown a 15 per cent drop in the number who believe that their boards see IT as a key strategic function, and 58 per cent are planning to move jobs in the next two years.

John Whiting, managing director of IT recruitment consultant firm Harvey Nash, said: "It is a concern that the strategic influence of CIOs has eroded in recent years, but even more worrying is the restlessness this creates in the sector.

"The most effective and satisfied CIOs are those who are embraced by main boards, and in environments which fully comprehend the critical influence of IT on a company's success.

"In return, senior IT professionals clearly have to continue to prove that their contribution is intrinsic to success and growth."

Fewer than half of chief financial officers see the CIO role as more than a support function and not worthy of a seat on the board.

Over a quarter of the CIOs surveyed would leave to find a role with more involvement in the strategic side of the business, and 27 per cent are actively looking for such a job.