Hello I’m

Gary Fletcher

Experienced CTO, Chief Architect, Board Member, IT Manager, Developer/Software Engineer and Fellow at Imperial College London

me@fletcher.gg +44 (0) 7946 325 160 www.fletcher.gg https://twitter.com/garygfletcher https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygfletcher/

Creative & Commited

I am an extremely passionate technologist who absolutely loves “tech” and enjoys being “hands-on” to effectively shape strategy, innovate, manage and mentor more efficiently.

Being an expert trouble shooter and an extremely meticulous and fast learner I have often been able to cross tech boundaries offering me a host of opportunities beyond traditional software development.

This has allowed me to explore for example Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, 3d printing and hardware/IoT to the extent I have had the opportunity to co-found Reading Makerspace, start up ZSL (London Zoo’s) conservation technology department, advise HRH Duke Of York with the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), later being appointed to the projects Technical Review Board at Buckingham Palace, orchestrate several high profile hackathons for iDEA and the Horniman Museum and advise Tech City UK and the Home Office on Exceptional Talent visa applications.

I keep very abreast with software development, having 19 years’ experience and often get hands on in a Chief Architect and Developer capacity concentrating predominantly on R&D and Big Data.

Strategically and most recently I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a new management team as CTO driving the innovation and velocity of a 76M EUR public marketing group, I was the Technical Lead in developing digital e-learning platforms and advising No 10 through Tech City UK and its Digital Business Academy program, worked on a Big Data Finance Systems for the Ministry of Justice as a Chief Architect for the Program while receiving recognition for innovation.

Within these roles I demonstrated a passion for building amazing teams and great products whilst being security conscious - I am a subject matter expert in ISO27001 (information security) and GDPR (data protection) along with executing many years of experience as an AgilePM/Prince2 certified professional with the management expertise to deliver £MM projects.

 

2024-PRESENT

Solution Owner/Architect

Bupa

At Bupa, I lead the strategic development and evolution of their global mobile applications, focusing on the adoption of Azure and Google Cloud Platform. I play a key role in shaping the strategy for transitioning mobile applications from Xamarin to React Native/Expo. By collaborating with a range of stakeholders, I drive the migration process, ensuring that the new architecture aligns with Bupa's long-term goals and provides a scalable, robust foundation for future development.

2020-2022

Senior Technical Architect

Ministry Of Justice

I worked with a range of stakeholders to research and develop a strategy for the future delivery of MOJ’s core HR and finance services, which is contained within a complex ERP based application landscape.

As a technical architect in this role I was assigned to work within an agile multi-disciplinary team and, in collaboration lead the technical direction of a product discovery orientated around a £100M buy vs build ERP decision.

2018-2020

Teaching and Research Fellow & Head of Hackspace Projects and Programs

Advanced Hackspace, Imperial College London

I work on proof of concept research for new technologies with a bias towards developing and comparing deskilled technologies.

I also lead the development of short project-based course materials for undergraduates and postgraduates and then delivering that teaching with the support of other specialist fellows.

I am currently the academic course leader and lecturer for Making and Prototyping for Research and Products (3rd and 4th year, credit bearing, 7.5 ECTS).

Aid in prototyping and project development by acting as a senior project adviser as well as advising on the allocation of grants and funding.

2019

Technical Architect, Live Services

Home Office

I undertook a short piece of consultancy work as part of a senior team working with the Home Office on the Digital Services at the Border Programme.

I was tasked to conduct an in depth technical review of the service capabilities and readiness of the programme applications ahead of deployments to front line operations. Beyond that initial review I was also responsible for leading a technical team in commencing the implementation of a comprehensive application management solution, setting both technical and strategic direction for longer term delivery.

2016-2018

Chief Technology Officer & Board Executive

Webgains

I lead all aspects of architecture, software and product development, including all make vs. buy analysis, investment rationalisation, and delivery schedule for high transaction applications. I had 6 direct reports with a whole team of 30 including two offshore teams in both Eastern Europe and South America.

I enjoyed leading “hands on” development of AI and cognitive projects in partnership with IBM, getting GDPR ready and achieving ISO27001 (Information Security) certification as well as building the best engineering team to maintain business continuity and new product innovation/development with a great R&D department building rapid application prototypes on multiple platforms including mobile, tv and alexa.

As a webgains Board Executive I was responsible member for organisational governance and input into strategic direction.

2016-2017

Technical Lead

Tech City UK, now Tech Nation

I led Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Policy Forming which later led to me reviewing and endorsing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Applications as an expert in the field of technology. I also led the development of the well known e-learning Digital Business Academy. I also had the opportunity to lead high profile technology workshops, meetups and public speaking.

2012-2013

Technolgy Conservationist

Zoological Society London (ZSL)

Conducted scientific investigations with SMEs to deliver technology-based conservation solutions which included deep sea large pelagic fish monitoring systems with satellite connectivity and using microprocessor technologies and environmental sensors to replicate environments in aquaria.

2007-2012

Technical Architect

Ministry Of Justice

Developed and deployed a bespoke fee payment and accounting system utilised across the UK for all 220 magistrate and county courts supporting millions of users.

RS DesignSpark documentary showcases 10km journey for autonomous model boat

RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, has released a 10-episode documentary series – titled SeaQuest – featuring members of its DesignSpark engineering community who embarked on a first-of-its-kind challenge to design, test and build a self-guided, 3D-printed model boat and send it on an ocean adventure. The challenge, which was initiated back in the spring of 2018, set the goal of fulfilling RS’ ambition to achieve a world record for the greatest distance travelled by a 3D printed autonomous model boat.

After many months of prototyping, in September 2019 the boat was ready to set out on its journey. Pete Wood, Head of Partnerships at DesignSpark, explained: “This project has been all about demonstrating innovation and inspiration within technology and engineering, and we’re delighted with how our 3D-printed boat design turned out. The entire journey has been a real labour of love on the part of everyone involved, which has aroused a spirited determination to develop a vessel capable of setting a world record.

The SeaQuest mission is featured on the RS landing page, and tells the story of how the team designed and tested the boat.

Pete concluded: “As an organisation committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers, we believe it’s important to spearhead initiatives such as SeaQuest, involving engineers and the maker community, to celebrate engineering talent and inspire young people in this exciting area.”

The SeaQuest documentary series is available to watch on YouTube at  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqnIaXrARxXFRLsU2SJsJbinsm5iSUea2, released in short weekly episodes from Wednesday 7 October 2020. The final episode will reveal whether the team achieved the world record it set out to fulfil.

 

The ten part series features Gary Fletcher as the principal engineer.

Gerfalcon Logo

Gerfalcon Restoration

Gary is honoured to be the owner of the Gerfalcon, a Dunkirk Little Ship with a storied history, now officially listed on the Historic Ship Register. This vessel played a notable role during the Dunkirk evacuation and served in the Royal Navy Auxillary Patrol during WW2, embodying a significant part of maritime history.

Gerfalcon is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration process to preserve its historic integrity and ensure it continues to serve as a testament to its heroic past. The restoration aims to return the ship to its original splendour, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical significance.

I invite you to follow our journey as we bring the Gerfalcon back to life. Stay updated with the latest news and progress through the following channels:

Gerfalcon's Webpage Gerfalcon on Instagram

Gerfalcon on Twitter

Gerfalcon on wikipedia

Gerfalcon on National Historic Ship Register


Gerfalcon on Association of Dunkirk Little Ships

Gary Kayaking

Gary's Kayaking and Paddlesports Achievements

Gary has a remarkable record in kayaking and paddlesports, marked by several extraordinary achievements. Among his notable feats are a solo channel crossing, adventurous kayaking in the Bahamas, and an impressive Arctic expedition.

His solo channel crossing demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance, navigating treacherous waters with remarkable precision. The kayaking trips in the Bahamas showcased his ability to handle challenging conditions while enjoying the stunning natural beauty. In the Arctic, Gary tackled the extreme cold and icy waters, pushing the boundaries of his sport in one of the most demanding environments on the planet.

In addition to these achievements, Gary holds a number of paddlesport qualifications and national trainer qualifications for Paddlesport Leading. He also contributes to the paddlesport community by sitting on the Touring Committee Board with British Canoeing, where he helps shape the future of the sport in the UK.

Gary's qualifications and board role underline his commitment to the sport and his influence in the paddlesport community. His achievements and expertise inspire others to pursue their own paddlesport ambitions.

Gary's Coaching Website Gary's Paddlesport Adventures on Instagram
Gary Volunteering

Volunteering and Coaching Achievements

Gary previously served as the National Staff Officer for Paddlesports within the Sea Cadets, where he was instrumental in overseeing paddlesport activities and designing training initiatives that benefitted participants across the organisation.

He also served as the Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, holding the rank of Lieutenant, until his recent retirement from this role. In this capacity, Gary provided invaluable mentorship to young cadets, ensuring they received top-tier training and opportunities to develop critical life skills.

Between 2022 and 2023, Gary committed an impressive 110 days to on-the-water coaching. He delivered a wide range of British Canoeing and Royal Yachting Association courses to both adults and teenagers, leveraging his extensive qualifications and experience to create meaningful learning experiences.

Gary’s outstanding contributions exemplify his passion for paddlesports and his dedication to inspiring the next generation of cadets and outdoor enthusiasts. His retirement marks the end of an era of impactful leadership, though his legacy continues to resonate in the communities he has served so passionately.

Other Highlights

Interesting Projects

Launching HRH Duke of York iDEA program with Maggie Philbin
Digital
Coral reef restoration
Research
Field testing ocean monitoring software and hardware
Research
Invitation to join HRH Duke of York's Technical Advisory Board at Buckingham Palace
Digital
ZSL London Zoo expedition to British Indian Ocean for field testing ocean monitoring systems
Research
Crossing the Solent by kayak, Hurst Castle to the Needles
Hobbies
Successful breeding of Bangaii Cardinal fish, an endangered species
Research
Representing ZSL at early makerfaire
Research
Historical research for 3D printing architectural models
Research
Deskilled technologies - etching with CAD
Research
Prototyping 3d printed autonomous surface vessels with RS Components to work towards a Guniess World Record
Research
Filming inspirational STEM projects in collaboration with RS Components
Research
Creating environmental systems to replicate real time ocean environments
Research
Early experimentation in printing large 3D models
Research

Things I enjoy

Computer Science

I love all things computing from hardware to software, big data, AI and Cognitive.

Engineering with AI

Less science and more engineering, particularly enjoy inventive uses of computer vision, natural language processing and the appropriate use of recommendation engines.

Software Engineering

I love systems design and hands on building of everything from prototypes to enormous distributed systems that live in secure environments. Web+Mobile+App+TV+Voice :)

Project Management

Prince 2 and AgilePM certified, with a track record of building focused delivery teams.

Big Data

Everything is in the numbers, I love statistics, management information and reporting. Insight is everything!

Product Development

I love create amazing digital products that improve people's lives and solve real world problems. I especially enjoy working with entrepreneurial concepts.