Chris Marsh is a Software Development Team Leader at IDEMS International, where he leads software projects focusing on social impact. His work spans infrastructure design, platform development, and the creation of systems that are open, scalable, and adaptable to diverse user needs. Chris is particularly passionate about building solutions that empower domain experts and end-users, enabling them to shape digital tools without requiring deep technical expertise.
At IDEMS, he plays a strategic and hands-on role in delivering software across sectors including education, social development, and climate resilience. He has been instrumental in deploying platforms in dozens of countries.
With over two decades of experience in the software industry, Chris has worked across a range of organisations from large commercial software providers to mission-driven teams. Over the years, he has developed and led engineering teams, improved processes, and managed a variety of product lifecycles — always with a strong emphasis on quality, clarity, and collaboration.
He is a strong advocate for open-source technologies and equitable access to digital tools. Chris believes in designing software with flexibility and longevity in mind, so it can evolve with its users rather than limit them. His work reflects a commitment to impact over profit, and to fostering technology ecosystems that serve everyone, not just the most commercially viable markets.
What’s the most interesting problem you’re working on right now?
“Data as Code” — creating systems where business logic is entirely independent of the programming language. This allows non-developers (like domain experts) to build and evolve functionality, and ensures long-term flexibility and cross-platform compatibility.
What’s the most challenging project you’re working on right now?
We intentionally build software that embraces complexity from the beginning, so users can shape it to their needs. This is different from traditional development, where solutions are often over-tailored to narrow problems. It’s challenging but worth it.
What’s a recent professional success you’re proud of?
We developed a UNICEF-supported website, IoGT. Midway, we discovered UNICEF’s internal team wouldn’t handle deployment, threatening the entire project. Though out of scope, we took it on ourselves at IDEMS’ cost. The site was ultimately deployed in 40+ countries and supported emergency responses in Ukraine and after the Turkey/Syria earthquakes. It ran at a loss, but our impact-first ethos made it worthwhile.
Where is home? Anything you want to share about that?
I live in Dronfield on the edge of the Peak District. I have 2 children, a 2 and 4 year-old. Working from home has allowed me to spend more time with my children. Being able to walk my daughter to school and get back before my 9 o’clock meeting makes a huge difference to my life. IDEMS provides me with the flexibility that makes sure I don’t have to choose between career and family.
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