Software Engineer at BT Plc.
Director at Ancrum Software Limited
ciaran@ciarancarr.com
ciaran@ancrumsoftware.com
admin@fressingfieldscouts.com
07736 807000
Norfolk, UK
Education
Course: BSc(Hons) Software Development - TBC
A Levels: Computer Science (A), History (B), Product Design (A*), AS Achieved: Maths
GCSEs: Mathematics (8), English (9), English Speaking (Dist.), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Physics (A), History (A*), Religious Studies (A*), Graphics (A*), Spanish (A), Photography (A*)
Ongoing Roles: Cub Leader, Group Digital Champion, Executive Committee, HQ Development Committee
Previous Roles: Assistant Scout Leader, Beaver Young Leader, Senior Explorer Scout
Achieved: County Commissioner Commendation, Explorer Belt Award, Bronze DofE
Qualifications: First Response Trained, DBS
Programming Experience
Python, Java (Android), PHP, AWS, Go, C++, C#, Web Languages, JavaScript, SQL, Bash/Unix
Hobbies
Photography
Being in the Great Outdoors
Football (Norwich Season Ticket Holder(!))
I am a Software Engineer with experience in a wide range of programming languages and toolsets, who continues to introduce myself into new areas to gain further knowledge. Always open for new opportunities to work in highly motivated environments providing high-quality software solutions and maintaining positive customer relations. I enjoy intense workloads, and balance this with community-driven work and volunteering ventures.
Following the conclusion of the dissertation, increased interest from other multi-academy trusts provided an opportunity to extend the offering of the platform.
Initially, the business focuses on the LUMENVIA product, a central online platform for the secure uploading and tracking of reports. Data collated produces insight and helps direct strategic decisions.
Other services include voluntary work including the development and maintenance of a local Scout Group website, as well as support for all IT infrastructure. In addition, as a technology consultant for other local non-profit organisations.
Joining the apprenticeship programme after completing Sixth Form, this role has provided the opportunity to establish a strong set of full-stack software engineering skills encompassing Android development (Java, Gradle, JNI, C++), web development (NodeJS, Express, CSS, JS) and back-end systems (Python, C++).
On the front-end I have a key eye for modern, clean and intuitive design, remaining empathetic to the intended end-user; capturing requirements and feedback regularly. From a development perspective, I am familiar with frameworks such as Qt and design languages such as Material Design.
In previous projects, I have deployed software solutions residing in AWS which remain integral to wider operations. Specifically, this includes API-based services and front-end web interfaces.
Working closely with customers, I am confident in live-demonstrating self-produced software solutions, and work collaboratively following the agile methodology utilising toolsets including the Atlassian suite (Stash, Confluence, JIRA).
In addition to the technical side, I am also mentoring two new apprentices who are new to the company, ensuring they are progressing well in their personal development and supporting them in their academic pursuits. This involves regular meetings and ‘workshops’ on various areas such as Linux, Git and Python fundamentals.
During a 12-month internship at a multi-academy trust in East Anglia, I developed a bespoke tool which tracks the progress of schools and students across 12 settings. Used by department heads and trust members (including directors, the board and CEO), it has proven a now-crucial service in providing statistical trends. Demonstrations have resulted in significant interest from other trusts with current plans to sell the package as SaaS.
As part of the university dissertation, a new version is being developed, which will provide additional features such as a mobile companion application, greater data visualisation and full customisability (ready for distributing to other trusts).
A part-time role which included legal checks, in-store marketing, and the placing of price tickets. During Christmas 2018, I was recognised as an individual who would be suitable for organising and collating customer orders during night shifts. Delivering professional customer service was fundamental, and I received positive customer feedback on multiple occasions for 'going the extra mile'.
Since leaving the movement at the age of 18, I have remained part of the group as an adult volunteer leader. Currently with Cub Scouts, I manage the section providing clear communication with parents, remaining legal and compliant, ensuring finances are accurate, and most importantly, delivering an exciting and fulfilling programme. As part of training, I am first response trained, hold a nights-away permit, and have received a commissioners commendation award.
I work with young people with a wide variety of abilities and working closely with certain parents and carers has enabled my team to deliver an inclusive programme.
In addition to the leadership role, I am also a member of various committees including contributing to the Executive which is integral in providing revenue to the group through fundraising efforts and grant writing.
As a digital champion, I am responsible for all technical operations within the group. This includes maintaining and improving the website (and currently the re-development of our own bespoke website), managing third-party services such as Online Scout Manager, Google Workspace, Senso Cloud, PayPal Business and GoCardless.
Expanding our presence on social media is also a key focus area, which includes producing engaging, inspiring and exciting videos on our YouTube channel, building a strong following on Facebook, as well as the diversification into Instagram and Twitter platforms. Success here can be evidenced in an increased membership and viewing figures. I have produced all our YouTube content, which has been recognised by the Scout Association country-wide.
Recently, I was tasked to spend £4,000 on improving digital access to the group, which included the researching, purchasing and configuration of multiple devices. Ensuring secure access to the internet was crucial, as well as physical security.
At BT, I am regularly involved in recruitment, both developing resources as well as presenting and attending various events. I have established strong relationships with two schools which I am a ‘conduit’ for and have supported mock interviews and hosted work experience placements.
For several small villages in my local area, I provide consultancy for mostly web-based projects to support the promotion of non-profit community activities.