Testing Peers

Testing Peers
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Testing Peers is a community-driven initiative built by testers, for testers. We are a not-for-profit collective focused on supporting each other across software testing, quality, leadership, and engineering. This group is peer-led, values-driven, and passionate about shaping a more thoughtful, collaborative testing culture.The Testing Peers podcast is now expanding beyond its original four hosts, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Simon Prior, striving to represent the voices of a diverse and thriving community.  Our inaugural in-person conference, #PeersCon, launched in Nottingham in March 2024, returning for #PeersCon25, with #PeersCon26 already scheduled - further solidifying Testing Peers as a not-for-profit, by testers, for testers initiative.

  1. قبل يوم واحد

    Spending Your Training Budget Wisely

    Happy New Year, Peers!! Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast, this time panel explores how testers and quality professionals can make the most of their training budgets, whether that budget is zero, modest, or stretches into several thousand pounds. Hosts this week: Russell Craxford, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, and Tara Walton. The discussion is grounded in real experience and looks at how learning choices change depending on constraints, priorities, and organisational context. Starting from Zero: Learning Without a Budget The episode begins by challenging the assumption that learning requires money. The hosts highlight the breadth and quality of free resources available, including: Blogs, podcasts, and community-driven contentFree learning platforms such as Test Automation University, freeCodeCamp, and edXVendor-provided learning resources from tooling and platform providersA key recommendation is the free “Learning How to Learn” course by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, which helps people understand how they learn best before deciding where to invest time or money. Spending Around £100: Small Budgets, Real Value With a budget of around £100, the focus shifts to intentional, value-led choices: Books as a focused, low-distraction way to learn:Subscriptions to learning platforms rather than single coursesPrioritising practical outcomes over certificatesUsing community recommendations to avoid low-quality contentTestSphere and RiskStorming cardsObviously, the Testing Peers Conference, March 12th 2026Books such as Explore It, The Phoenix Project, The Culture Code and other systems thinking titles are highlighted as high-value, low-cost investments. Around £500: Community, Conferences, and Exposure At the £500 level, learning opportunities expand: Attending local conferences, meetups, or community events Leeds Test Atelier (Free to attend)SIGiSTShipItConCovering travel, accommodation, and tickets for nearby eventsInvesting in leadership, communication, and presentation skillsSubscriptions such as Ministry of Testing Pro (including a ticket to their #MoTaCon event) and similar learning communitiesLeanPubThe hosts discuss the value of human connection, being exposed to new perspectives, and coming away from events with renewed ideas and motivation. Certifications and Career Signals The conversation takes a balanced view on certifications, including ISTQB: Not a definition of quality or capabilityPotentially useful for people entering the industryHelpful as a signal when eSupport the show

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    12 Bugs of Christmas 2025

    Support the show

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    High Performing Teams Playbook

    Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Simon, David, Chris and returning host, Dan Ashby explore what makes a high-performing team and how leaders can intentionally create the right environment for teams to thrive. The conversation builds on both shared experience and real-world examples of navigating complex team dynamics. Topics Discussed • Psychological safety How teams understand it, how fragile it can be and the different forms it takes, including inclusion, learning, contributor and challenger safety. • Purpose and direction Why clarity of mission anchors decision making and helps individuals see their contribution to collective outcomes. • Skills, proficiency and growth Understanding a team’s starting point, enabling learning opportunities and how building capability strengthens trust and accountability. Dan also introduces his High-Performing Teams Framework, which provides a structured model for these elements: https://evolvingleadership.uk/the-hpt-framework/ • Trust and ownership The importance of follow-through, transparency and what Chris refers to as decisive humility when leading in uncertain or inherited contexts. • Joy and community How internal communities, shared testing sessions, social connection and small rituals can support morale and cohesion, especially in remote environments. • Real-world leadership experiences Chris shares an example of challenging expectations from leadership by gathering context, sense-checking with peers and approaching difficult conversations with evidence and respect. Also in this episode Burnout, remote working dynamics, and the role of workplace friendships in supporting sustainable performance. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

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    Testing Rants II

    Welcome to episode 139 of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, the Peers dive into the sequel to episode 39, for Testing Rants part 2. Hosting this episode is Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Tara Walton, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard. After a brief ranter moment (terrible rant banter portmanteau, sorry), the team move onto the main topic. Topics covered in this episode: Documentation Issues Single Points of Failure: Documentation saved locally or only in one place.Poor Comments: Insufficient or missing code/system comments.Clarity over Volume: The need for context and value to avoid "death by documentation."The Problem with Assumptions "Termites of Relationships": Assumptions damage team relationships and project outcomes (citing Henry Winkler).Contextual Blind Spots: Discussing unchecked assumptions in daily work.Value and Motivation Missing the WHY: Lack of communication around the ultimate VALUE of the work.Purpose Drives Motivation: Knowing why tasks matter increases engagement.Cognitive Load and Flow Spoon Theory: Managing limited mental energy and cognitive load.Flow Disruptors: Identifying Slack/notifications as excessive noise that breaks focus.Time Off and Workplace Safety Managing Return: Setting healthy expectations for those returning after time off.Psychological Safety: The foundational requirement for taking necessary breaks."Always On" Pressure: Ranting against the pressure for a digital detox and constant online presence.Community and Celebration Lisa Crispin Shoutout: Acknowledging her commitment to championing the community. Shining a Light: The importance of celebrating and elevating others. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

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    Quality Career Beginnings

    Welcome to episode 138 of the Testing Peers Podcast In this episode, Chris, Rachel, David and Russell discuss how people begin their careers in testing and software quality today. After a light-hearted round of “Two Truths and a Lie (But All Lies)”, the conversation turns to the different ways people enter the field, and how those paths have changed over time. The Peers share their own experiences and reflect on what helps new testers succeed. Topics include: Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and internal career changesThe importance of curiosity, communication and collaborationBalancing technical skills with people skillsThe impact of AI and automation on entry routesBuilding inclusive teams and supporting diverse backgroundsThe difference between culture add and culture fitThe group explore what organisations can do to create better entry points into quality roles, and how experienced professionals can help the next generation of testers grow with confidence. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

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    Personal Branding and Social Media

    Welcome to episode 137 of the Testing Peers podcast! This time, join  Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Russell Craxford, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard as we discuss Personal Branding and Social Media. In this episode, the Peers discuss the importance of personal branding and the role social media plays in shaping professional identity within the testing community. The conversation explores how each of the hosts approaches their own personal brand, the motivations behind building one, and the ways in which visibility and authenticity can influence employability, reputation and connection. The group also considers the evolution of social media platforms, how algorithms influence engagement, and how to use these platforms effectively while staying true to personal values. Key discussion points include: The link between personal branding and professional opportunitiesDeveloping an identifiable and consistent online presenceBalancing authenticity, tone of voice and self-promotionThe impact of algorithms and how to navigate themChoosing the right platforms for your goals, from LinkedIn and YouTube to community spaces such as the Ministry of Testing Club [https://club.ministryoftesting.com/]The idea of defining your brand through a single theme or “word” [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whats-your-word-finding-perfectly-describes-you-career-dan-ashby-1sv2e/?trackingId=xoBbDkUiRfmqX6GsXR2U7g%3D%3D]The hosts share their experiences of what has worked for them, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and the benefits of intentionality in developing a recognisable and trustworthy online identity. #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

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    Strategy: Test X Quality

    Welcome to episode 136 of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, David, Chris, Russell and Tara dig into a question from #PeersCon25 speaker, Stuart Pates: what’s the difference between a test strategy and a quality engineering strategy? The peers explore: Whether strategies are rigid documents, living guides, or something in betweenHow context drives whether you need a test strategy, a quality strategy, or bothWhy language and labels (“test” vs “quality”) can help or hinder collaborationThe role of purpose and value in defining strategies that actually workStrategies as empowerment tools versus “one-way to do things” policiesHow to avoid strategies becoming shelfware and instead keep them living and relevantAs always, there’s plenty of banter (including revelations about everyone’s oldest open browser tab!) before diving into the topic. We’d love to hear your thoughts, what does strategy mean in your organisation, and how do you approach the balance between quality and testing? #PeersCon26 Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December 2025, when they increase to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    ٣٥ من الدقائق

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    Testing in the Age of AI

    Welcome to episode 135 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join Chris, Russell, David and the returning Jon Robinson as we talk all things AI in testing. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we approach testing, QA and quality. But what happens when the pace of change accelerates? In this episode, the Peers explore what AI might mean for our profession, our skills and the value we bring. We discuss: The future of QA roles in the next 3–5 years and which functions may fade or evolve.Why exploratory testing could become more important as AI takes on repetitive checking.The risk of over-reliance on AI tools, from hallucinations to “blind hope” in outputs.New skills testers may need: data literacy, training and validating models, and critical thinking about outputs.Shifts in business mindsets: AI as a cost-cutting tool vs AI as an enabler.The challenges of scalability, maintainability and sustainability when using AI.Ethical and legal concerns around data sharing, intellectual property and training models.How diverse skills and perspectives remain crucial for testing in an AI-driven future.Along the way, we touch on topics from token debt and environmental impact, to healthcare examples, to why trust and human experience still matter. #PeersCon26 Call for Collaborations for written and video submissions until September 30th 2025, and also for VolunPeers. More on all this can be found here Tickets for the event are now live too, starting at £15 until December, when they go up to £30. And as always, we are looking for sponsors to make this event the success it has been for the last 2 years, get in touch if interested Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do to support the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    ٣٦ من الدقائق
مشاهدة الكل (١٤٢)

حول

Testing Peers is a community-driven initiative built by testers, for testers. We are a not-for-profit collective focused on supporting each other across software testing, quality, leadership, and engineering. This group is peer-led, values-driven, and passionate about shaping a more thoughtful, collaborative testing culture.The Testing Peers podcast is now expanding beyond its original four hosts, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Simon Prior, striving to represent the voices of a diverse and thriving community.  Our inaugural in-person conference, #PeersCon, launched in Nottingham in March 2024, returning for #PeersCon25, with #PeersCon26 already scheduled - further solidifying Testing Peers as a not-for-profit, by testers, for testers initiative.

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