Paul Blake : CV :
Recent Employment
May 2006 - Present: Client Side Developer, BBC
I currently work for BBC Audio and Music Interactive as a Client Side Developer developing sites for BBC's radio services. These include a complete recode and content management strategy for Radio4's website, maps for bbc.co.uk/bigsreens and Chris Evans CIN page on Radio 2. I'm currently provided short order support to all bbc.co.uk/radio websites.
Earlier I worked on the BBC homepage. First to rewrite the html and css to be standards compliant and valid, then to develop modules and provide maintenance to a further developed homepage rich in javascript driven user customisation. I also developed supporting sites such as Help and Feedback as well as supporting pages.
I redeveloped the BBC/TV pages to one coherent user experience, developing a unified interface to /TV, /BBC1, /BBC2, /BBC3, and /BBC4.
I've maintained and developed central software services to BBC websites such as the Voting application and Multistage Forms.
I started with the BBC at Wales New Media to rationalise the application of CSS on sites recently migrated in a CMS upgrade. This involved analysing sites for errors in layout and style, then correcting, testing and validating the CSS. I also for BBC Northern Ireland to configure a blog using Wordpress software.
November 2004 - May 2006: Web Editor, King's College London
At King's I have helped manage the migration of over 200,000 web pages into a Content Management System. My role included developing information architecture, reviewing and developing site maps, proofreading and editing. Other duties included developing W3C standard compliant forms and data tables. The role included supporting and training content providers to produce relevant, accessible and usable text that is fit to purpose.
August 2001 - September 2004: Head of New Media, Training For Life
I was responsible for the management and strategic development of the charity's Print and Web Design social enterprise, Designing For Life. This involved developing a business strategy, keeping the books, paying bills and invoicing clients, finding and managing clients, managing a fulltime staff of up to six, liasing with service providers, writing project plans, pitches and documentation. My role included training staff in software, design, HTML, CSS and social skills. The staff were all long-term unemployed placed with us for work experience.
April 2000 - August 2001: New Media Producer, Firehouse Productions Ltd.
I managed the development of websites from the selection of an ISP to the commission and coordination of database developers, designers, and programmers. I developed pitches, budgets and schedules and managed the clients.
Feb. 1999 - April 2000: Project Manager, Emap Metro Online
I managed the production of all the Emap Metro websites. These included sites for Q, Select, FHM, Empire, New Woman, Sky, Mojo and Heat. I also managed the development of an online subscriptions service for the entire Emap range of UK magazines. I was line manager for all the site producers and designers, reporting to the New Media Director. I interviewed and hired personnel, conducted reviews and appraisals, liased with the Advertising and Marketing departments, and worked closely with the Technical Manager. I led development of new projects, including an FHM ISP and the repurposing of content for interactive TV.
April 1996 - Feb. 1999: Producer, Emap Consumer Online
Working closely with the Online Editor, Technical Manager and Designer I hand coded HTML and Cold Fusion to launch Carworld.co.uk. This was followed by Motorcyleworld.co.uk and then Maxpower.co.uk. These sites were in association with Compuserve with which I worked to set up Forums and exclusive content for our Compuserve customers using their Content Management System. I then went on to manage the re-launch of Empire's web site. I worked closely with the Editor, Designer and Technical Manager to redevelop the site as a database driven review archive using ASP, SQL, JavaScript and HTML.