Kelvin Baverstock
Software Engineer, UX Designer & IT Leader
Full-stack engineering leader with 20+ years building production systems that users love. I write code daily in TypeScript/Node.js, Next.js, React Native, and Python while applying design thinking to solve complex technical problems - from architecting secure APIs to shipping cross-platform mobile apps. I mentor engineers, deliver robust and well-tested code, and bridge the gap between what users need and what technology can deliver.
Specialise in creating exceptional user experiences through thoughtful technical architecture. I combine strong engineering fundamentals (automated testing, CI/CD, security best practices) with UX design principles (accessibility WCAG 2.2 AAA, micro-interactions, information architecture) to build systems that are both technically sound and delightful to use.
Professional Experience
Head of Software Development
Hands-on lead engineer (player‑coach): design architectures, pair‑program, write production code (Next.js, React Native, Node.js), and establish CI/CD and quality gates. Own technical architecture and delivery for concurrent client engagements; run discovery and technical spikes, estimation, and stakeholder communication.
Key Achievements:
- Shipped a cross-platform React Native application for local government (live in App Store and Google Play), built to GOV.UK Service Standard principles (understanding user needs, iterative development, and accessibility-first design)
- Built a modular Next.js platform that powers multiple SaaS applications, emphasising reusability and rapid client delivery through thoughtful component architecture.
- Architected and built an AI-powered Next.js/Python SaaS application with automated background workers for bulk processing - combining complex technical requirements with intuitive user workflows.
- Implemented comprehensive automated testing strategies and CI/CD pipelines for all projects, establishing security controls, code quality gates, and non-functional requirements for production systems.
- Built and mentored a multidisciplinary engineering team, coaching them on best practices, code review, technical problem-solving, and balancing user needs with technical constraints.
- Led technical discovery sessions, estimation, and stakeholder communication for concurrent client projects - translating business requirements into elegant technical solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Build and lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (web, mobile, data).
- Instil solid delivery practices, code quality, and CI/CD automation.
- Own product and project roadmaps.
- Shape discovery, estimates, and stakeholder communication for simultaneous client engagements.
- Deliver bespoke Next.js web applications and React Native mobile apps.
- Define architectures, security controls, and non‑functional requirements.
Head of IT
Led IT strategy, budget, and vendor management; aligned platforms to growth objectives. Integrated companies into a modern cloud‑backed stack; improved reliability, security, and ownership. Built Express/Node.js APIs with a React front end to unlock new revenue opportunities.
Key Achievements:
- Built Express/Node.js APIs with React frontends to replace legacy systems and enable new business capabilities - combining modern architecture with intuitive user interfaces.
- Designed and implemented hybrid-cloud Remote Desktop infrastructure that enabled company-wide remote work during pandemic lockdowns, ensuring business continuity without compromising security.
- Successfully integrated multiple acquired companies into a unified cloud-backed technology stack, migrating all company websites and web platforms to Azure for improved performance, security, and reliability.
- Developed cross-platform mobile applications (Flutter/Dart) for field engineers, improving operational efficiency through thoughtful UX design and offline-first capabilities.
- Introduced ITIL-aligned incident management, change control, and asset tracking processes - balancing technical rigour with practical usability.
- Implemented comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions across all locations, protecting business operations while maintaining seamless user experience.
Responsibilities:
- Led IT strategy, budget, and vendor management.
- Drove software and infrastructure initiatives in partnership with business units.
- Integrated companies into a modern cloud‑backed stack.
- Built Express/Node.js APIs with a React front end.
- Developed cross‑platform mobile apps (Flutter) for field engineers.
IT Infrastructure & Solutions Manager
Integrated multiple acquired companies into a unified cloud-backed technology stack while building new bespoke Node.js/React applications to support business operations.
Key Achievements:
- Integrated multiple acquired companies onto a single, modern technology stack backed by cloud technologies - solving complex integration challenges while maintaining service quality.
- Migrated all company websites and web platforms to a unified Microsoft Azure solution, resulting in significantly improved performance, security, ownership, and reliability.
- Developed cross-platform mobile applications (Flutter/Dart) for field-based engineers, combining technical functionality with user-centered design to improve field operations.
- Implemented comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans and solutions for all locations, ensuring business continuity through robust technical architecture.
- Led platform consolidation and modernization initiatives, balancing technical debt reduction with ongoing business needs.
Application Support Manager
Led a team of 5 technical specialists supporting critical business systems serving millions of customers across UK and Ireland. Managed 2nd/3rd line support for order management, eCommerce, BI, and reporting platforms.
Key Achievements:
- Brought Java geospatial applications in-house from third-party vendor, improving functionality and reducing costs by £65k+ annually
- Built custom SharePoint solutions for UK, EMEA and North America regions (£100k+ savings)
- Implemented ITIL-aligned SLAs, metrics and incident response processes
- Provided technical architecture guidance and led SOX audit control testing
- Established hypercare handover processes and mentored junior developers on production support
- Provided out-of-hours support for critical batch applications
Responsibilities:
- Led 2nd/3rd line application development and support team.
- Managed critical business applications including order management and eCommerce platforms.
- Coordinated with development teams for application enhancements and bug fixes.
- Delivered DR/backup improvements and reporting systems.
- Provided strategic technical guidance for application architecture decisions.
Application Support Team Leader
Developed business applications for UK and Ireland operations covering order processing, inventory management, and customer-facing systems. Learned enterprise development practices working with mainframe and distributed systems.
IT Systems Developer (UK & ROI)
Developer Analyst (UK & ROI)
Technical Skills
Programming & Development
AI/ML
Cloud & Distributed Computing
CI/CD Tools
Databases
Design & UX
Security & Compliance
CMS & E-Commerce
Leadership & Delivery
Other Tools & Services
Certifications
Education & Training
- Advanced TypeScript and Modern JavaScript
- React and Next.js Development
- Accessibility and WCAG 2.2 AAA Compliance
- Cloud Architecture and DevOps
- Leadership and Team Management