Personal Reference for Brian Hughes
My company is a large, national public sector organisation with over 200 offices and 11,000 staff.
I first employed Brian on a 6 month contract around June 1998
at a time when my organisation was involved in an ongoing programme of large
scale software application deployment (prior to our implementation of Netware
4 and the subsequent centralisation of software distribution, this job was
very much done on a manual basis).
The organisation had evolved from a number of partner
organisations and its formation brought with it all the problems of a lack of
standards in its Hardware, Application Software and Operating Systems.
My department was newly formed, and had been given the remit
for national application deployment due to the inconsistency created when this
task was previously carried out by numerous regional IS operational support
teams. We were therefore very much treading on the toes of our predecessors
but needing their co-operation in granting access to buildings etc. This
called for maturity, excellent interpersonal skills and, not least, breadth
and depth of technical skills in dealing with such a hybrid network.
Brian quickly stood out as not only having all of the above
qualities but also obviously able to manage himself, the work and other
members of the team.
In particular, his reliability and methodical approach made
him an obvious candidate to fill the post of Test & Integration Manager
when the vacancy arose. Brian led on the development of a robust testing
environment, developed robust procedures necessary for any test laboratory and
managed a team of technical resources delivering NAL integration and operation
testing services. His team became the final gateway prior to application
release and therefore carried significant responsibility.
During his time in this post there was a major project to move
from Windows 95 to Windows 2000, requiring all applications to be tested and
approved on this new platform. Throughout this time and working with limited
resources Brian had to work with determined Project Managers who were always
pushing hard to force their new applications through testing and out to
delivery to end users. Despite the obvious conflict between those that needed
to deliver their project and his role as guardian of the production
environment, Brian was well liked and respected by all and, throughout his
time here, he maintained a flexible, pragmatic, good humored and professional
approach to getting the job done.
Mike Cox
Senior Project Manager
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My experience of working with Brian Hughes was
as a member of my management team. Brian was in the post of Test &
Integration Manager, which in public sector terms means middle management.
Therefore needing the ability to communicate at many levels including
technical & senior management.
Brian had many challenges during a recent
multi-million W2K project. Our organisation had numerous applications, many in
house, which had to be tested & certified as W2K compliant. At the same
time and working with limited resources Brian had to work with Project
Managers who were pushing to get the new applications tested. Throughout this
time Brian maintained a professional good-humoured approach whilst he
“juggled” the many priorities. Brian was with our organisation for many
years, and I know from colleagues he delivered a high standard of work in many
areas throughout those years.
Maggie Bosniak.
Service Manager (Regions)
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"I was
impressed with Brian's Knowledge, Skill and Approach when dealing with
people whether they be management or customers. Brian always has a cool and
calm exterior even when faced with tight deadlines, this relaxed approach
reflects on his co-workers which meant it was an enjoyable
experience working with him."
Ryan
Pothecary.
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