Oliver Benson

Curriculum Vitae

Significant experience in developing and maintaining major online media projects with a proven background in journalism
Demonstrated passion for working with young people and promoting their issues and well-being

Managing a Ł1.6m partnership project supporting the volunteering legacy from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working with key agencies involved in the 2012 Games
Leading the creation of a strategy for improving user experience of this popular website

Responsible for the organisation's major websites (TheSite.org and Do-it)
Successfully project managed a significant redesign of TheSite.org, increased audio/video on the websites and initiated development of a new website, Lifetracks.com
Line-managed editorial staff, commissioned freelancers and liaised with partner organisations
Operational and strategic management, working closely with marketing, fundraising, partnership and technical teams

Developed and supported the editorial elements of the informal education programmes
Liaised with media partners, including the BBC, Sky and several national newspapers
Project managed the rollout and maintenance of a multimedia website, including choosing a CMS, implementing multimedia, and integrating with news-feed services and social networking sites
As part of the charity's senior management team, responsible implementing the strategic plan, recruitment and management of staff

Part of team rolling out a content management system across all of the BBC Local websites
Provided first-line editorial and technical support, and trained producers and editors in topics including generating user participation, best practice and integrating online and radio activity
Specific projects included organising the Blast Reporter Scheme (a work placement scheme for young people aged 16-19) and producing website for pilot of The ONE Show

Journalist / Producer, BBC Three Counties Radio (May 2002 - August 2003)
Entertainment Journalist / Web Developer, BBC Radio 1 (November 2001 - June 2002)
Journalist / Broadcast Assistant, BBC Radio Leeds (June 1999 - November 2001)
Freelance journalist, Yorkshire Post / Bradford Telegraph & Argus / Bedfordshire on Sunday (various times between April 1998 - February 2000)
Department Assistant, St John Ambulance National Headquarters (March 1996 - September 1996)

Four-year degree, including foundation year, in digital media production, based partly at National Media Museum

A Levels in Geography (B), Sociology (C) and Economics (D)
9 GCSEs grade A-C including English Literature and Language, Double Science and Maths

A volunteer for 20 years, primarily around delivering youth work and youth participation
Member of the National Youth Training Team, including redeveloping youth leadership training within the organisation
On County Youth Team in West Midlands (2003-06) and Hertfordshire (2006-08), supporting and running weekly youth units, and delivering weekend training courses to young people and youth leaders

News editor, breakfast presenter and programmer controller for my student radio station
Elected as Development Officer of the Student Radio Association, role included working with the Radio Authority on pilot community radio licences
Produced the breakfast show on Make Poverty History radio, run to coincide with the 2005 G8 summit

I am currently a trustee of the Citizenship Foundation
I was a steward for two years at TVYP, the educational arm of the Edinburgh International TV Festival

In November 2007 I was chosen as one of the top ten rising stars in the Public Life category of the Courvoisier/Observer's Future 500 award
I am a relatively confident PHP and MySQL programmer, as well as having a good knowledge of HTML and CSS; and competent at computer packages including Avid, Premiere, Audition, Photoshop, Quark and Microsoft Office applications
I have a full UK driving licence and hold a First Aid at Work certificate
As well as trips to the USA and Europe, I have travelled in Ethiopia and South Africa