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CV

I'm a certified Web Accessibility Specialist, currently working full-time as a Senior Accessibility Specialist for the Government Digital Service, making the web a better, more inclusive place. I code, write and speak publicly about web accessibility, user research, performance and front-end technologies.

Experienced with

  • Accessibility-first approach to website design
  • Conducting accessibility audits: manual testing with screen readers and automated tools like AXE and Lighthouse
  • HTML, CSS and JavaScript (vanilla, or with a library or framework like Vue or React)
  • Working in teams with tools including Slack, Trello and good old fashioned speaking to each other: face-to-face or by video call!
  • Agile-based workflow and time estimations

Previously

Before transitioning into the web industry I studied for four years at Brunel University London: completing a BSc in Multimedia Technology & Design. Over the past ten years I've helped deliver websites for a variety of clients in the private and public sectors.

Job

Senior Accessibility Specialist
GDS

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Job

Interaction Designer
dxw

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Working as a multidisciplinary agile team with GDS Publishing to improve their Access and Permissions platform to be more accesssible.

  • Prototyping with GOV.UK Design System coded toolkit and Figma
  • Work closely alongside user researcher to better understand user needs
  • Accessibility training through creating and organising regular workshops
  • Accessibility audits with axe DevTools
  • Testing with screen readers including VoiceOver, TalkBack and NVDA
  • Advocating accessibility best practices and culture across organisation
Qualification

Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)
IAAP

IAAP logo -

Passed the WAS exam following years of experience in accessibility and usability testing along with extensive study of Web accessibility best practices.

  • Usability testing with assistive technology in macOS, iOS, Android and Windows environments.
  • Understanding of WCAG and ATAG Standards
  • Web accessibility auditing and remediation
  • Knowledge of implementing and testing valid ARIA
Job

Developer
dxw GovPress

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A multidisciplinary role within the GovPress team of dxw, supporting and developing sites for the public and third sectors using WordPress CMS.

  • I designed and developed a bespoke platform to deliver HTML-based accessibility reports, outlining accessibility issues and how to fix them.
  • Auditing websites through an automated and manual accessibility testing workflow.
  • WordPress, HTML, CSS, Scss, jQuery, Vanilla Js, PHP, Figma
Job

Front End Developer
We Create Digital

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WordPress along with other CMS development and integration for clients. Internally, I helped improve the overall approach of the company’s project management: helping introduce an agile workflow to the business and better understanding of user-focused needs.

  • Integration with WordPress / Laravel / Magento / ExpressionEngine
  • Version control all projects through GitLab
  • Environment and build tools including use of Grunt, Gulp, Webpack and Node packages
  • Design tools including CC Photoshop, Illustrator and Affinity Designer
  • HTML, CSS, Scss, jQuery, Vanilla Js, VueJs, PHP
Job

Front End Developer
Wickedweb (acquired by Avenue Digital)

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  • Here I built up foundational knowledge of core front-end skills and template integration on their in-house CMS.
  • Later I helped steer the company towards responsive thinking and developing an in-house responsive framework for HTML/CSS and JS.
  • I worked on websites including the charity Blesma, Wagamama, EC Harris, Ella’s Kitchen and the portfolio site of entrepreneur Peter Jones. I also wrote informative articles for their blog.
Qualification

BSc Multimedia Technology & Design
Brunel University

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FIRST CLASS HONOURS AWARD WITH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Awarded Brunel Excellence Scholarship for 2007-2011
  • Led a team of three to design and develop a PHP and JavaScript-based multimedia widget aimed at motivating people to donate money to Cancer Research UK. The brief was conceptualised by London-based digital agency Essence and we were awarded 1st prize.
  • For my Final Year Project I researched and developed a mobile application for use in museums and art galleries. As part of this research I liaised with a number of museums including the Ashmolean, Oxford. I implemented the technical side of it using Android SDK, programming with self-taught skills in Java and XML.
Job

(Work Placement) Digital Media Assistant
Film Education

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  • Design and development of educational microsites for clients including Warner Brothers, Pathé International and CinemaNX.
  • Contributed to the design and development of web and CD-ROM based educational resources suitable for classroom learning activities.
Qualification

BTEC National Diploma IT Practitioners
South Cheshire College

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  • Triple Distinction
  • Awarded Business & IT Student of the Year

Talks, publication & exhibition

What people think about me

“Calum shows real flare and enthusiasm in his work as front end developer. With a passion for expanding his knowledge on all things digital, he very regularly attends conferences on the newest digital trends and tech solutions. Armed with what he has learnt, Calum will share his experiences with his coworkers and transfer what he has learnt into helping provide better functional solutions for clients. He also has a very keen eye for design and instinctively knows what looks good and what doesn't, another one of his many talents.”

– Emma Atkins, Wickedweb

“Calum was a keen problem-solver during his twelve month student placement at Film Education. He made a valuable contribution to a large number of demanding projects during that time and I recommend his work.”

– Jane Dickson, Film Education

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