Mark Stokes

Results-driven leader with extensive experience in aligning IT strategies with business objectives to drive organisational success. Adept at building and nurturing relationships between IT and various business units to ensure seamless communication and collaboration. Skilled in identifying technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver measurable value. Instrumental in employing strong leadership abilities in guiding cross-functional teams through complex projects, from inception to completion. Proficient in utilising advanced knowledge of ISO quality assurance systems, Python coding, advanced Excel, and PowerBI.

Thurrock Council, Grays, Essex                                                                                                 Jan 2020 – Present

IT Business Engagement

Serve as key liaison between ICT and various business entities, including children's services, housing, and health. Collaborate with team to establish digital strategy for Council whilst advising director-level stakeholders on technology implementation. Manage overall aspects of project for technology implementation, developing requirements and business cases. Mediate conflicts between various services, information governance teams, IT experts, and IT leadership. Spearhead procurement of MS365 consultants, including developing specifications, creating business case, and securing services. Partner with technology providers, ICT senior strategic lead, managers, technical staff, and commercial partners to deliver technology solutions. Ensure GDPR compliance by working closely with information governance.

• Led MS365 business case through commercial and financial governance to secure funding.
• Gained comprehensive understanding of local government landscape, covering finance, services, challenges, drivers, politics, and governance.
• Attended various senior leadership meetings within Directorate to support decision making processes.

Thurrock Council, Grays, Essex                                                                                               Jan 2021- Mar 2022 

Head of Transformation Delivery

Spearheaded realignment of major data analytics project by establishing control over external contractors. Oversaw planning, design, and implementation of the corporate transformation initiative. Collaborated with high-level executives and directors throughout the company to meet and exceed company set goals. Facilitated strategic boards to ensure progress and success of the project. Coordinated with various departments to unify services and strategies for cohesive approach. 

• Steered top-notch team of project officers and senior managers to enhance individual skills and drive operational workflow.
• Led and implemented an Agile programs whilst ensuring timely completion.

Engineering & Forensic Services, London                                                                          Sept 2019 – to date

Director of Engineering & Forensic Services

Leveraged expertise in digital forensics through casework, consulting, and research. Provided guidance on Digital Forensics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and corporate modernisation. Delivered exceptional services to oversee complex cases as well as offered guidance to legal professionals.

• Served as a guest lecturer at renowned institutions such as UEL, UCL, and KCL.
• Established a chip lab for security testing and reverse engineering at a silicon level.
• Improved digital forensic courses, facilities, processes, and standards in close collaboration with various universities.
• Developed and conducted technical training for international organisations in the UK and overseas.

Digital Forensic Service, London                                                                                          June 2007 – Sept 2019  

Head of Digital Forensic Service, Public Sector

Performed as Chair for the forensics regulators digital forensics specialist group to direct creation and dissemination of digital forensic codes of practice and related materials. Led the forensic research forum whilst providing reports to GCHQ's SRDIC. Headed the Forensic Services R&D board by implementing advancements and improvements in forensic science. Spearheaded the development and procurement of a new national contract with a private sector partner for managed digital forensics services whilst providing frontline forensic technologies, research and development, and surge capacity with external forensic providers. Utilised cost-saving measures within the FSP to increase the number of engineering personnel.

• Revolutionised digital forensics by designing and executing cutting-edge operating model. 
• Reduced a £9m overspend in a Forensic Service Provider (FSP) contract to a 10% underspend within 18 months.
• Realigned digital forensics with traditional forensics at the senior level by gaining the support and approval of the management board and MOPAC for the new model's implementation. 
• Led significant change initiative to implement innovative operating model.
• Increased 64% increase in frontline police officers' by securing £7.9m in investment for new digital forensic infrastructure throughout London, through collaboration with MOPAC and executive management. 
• Devised high-level strategy outlining the benefits of complete digital integration in Forensic Services.
• Authored a report on the advantages of real-time DNA, fingerprints, and drugs analysis, and presented a clear roadmap for achieving this vision. 
• Built strategic partnerships with government agencies such as the Home Office, Cabinet Office, ICO, and DPP, collaborating with high-level board members to develop policies for disclosure in digital forensics and forensic science.
• Administered top-notch team of 160 technology specialists and a budget of £12M.
• Restructured the leadership team for digital forensics, resulting in significant improvements to service delivery.

HNC in Electronics and Telecommunications