Rob Kirton

Background

I have worked continuously in Information Technology and related roles since the mid 1980s.  Starting out in software development, I later expanded into technical leadership, project management, and operational management roles.  I still occasionally program to this day; for example I developed the software framework which generates this website.

My career has seen me work for, or on behalf of, Multi-Nationals and FTSE-250 listed businesses, as well as Smalll Medium Enterprises; and that is where my heart truly lies.  I have also experienced "Both Sides of the Fence", having worked for both the customers and providers of IT services and solutions.

2004 saw me obtain an MSc in e-commerce and I have worked extensively on Internet and web based applicatons since then. On two occasions, directly helping my clients receive industry awards for their projects.

Also, since 2023 I have been engaged by the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT, as an End Point Assessor; interviewing and grading candidates on completion of their apprenticeships.

Services

With forty years of experience, I am able to help in a wide range of IT related issues. All you need to do is get in touch. I won't sell either you or myself short. If it is something that is outside of my areas of knowledge or capability, I'll immediately let you know.

Here are some starting ideas in terms of services I can provide:

Advice, guidance, and practical help in implementing and testing

• Software changes, whether new systems or upgrades
• Hardware or network changes, whether new deployments of upgrades
• Adoption of and adherence to technical standards
• Systems security
• Systems Resilience and disaster recovery

Vendor selection and management

• Negotiate with and manage system vendors, ensuring that they follow best practice when engaged on your projects

Management of projects

• Full time, part time, or very light touch with a planned frequency of engagement

Recruitment

• If you are looking to make your first IT hire, I can help appraise CVs and provide assessment of IT related skills at the interview stage

Mentorship

• Act as guide or sounding board for experienced staff or trainees / apprentices

Legislation and compliance

• Help you to implement best practice to meet accessibility or GDPR obligations, or information security compliance such as ISO2701

Working together in partnership.

I am flexible in terms of mode of working. For example, you may envisage the ideal arrangement to be short or very short engagements within a longer term relationship. Then again, you may have other ideas. The call is yours to make.

Shaped by the nature of the assignment, I am happy to undertake work for either a daily rate, or a fixed fee tied to project delivery.