Software Testing specialist group: Committee

Chair and Early Careers Advocate
Nicola Martin FBCS FWES

Nicola Martin, a senior software engineering leader turned career coach and founder of NMC&C, with over two decades of experience in the tech industry, including many years in software testing and quality. Nicola is passionate about diversity in tech and has been active in supporting causes and groups in this area.

Her accomplishments include being named AI Champion at the Everywoman in Technology Awards, securing 19th place in Computer Weekly's Most Influential Women in UK Tech, and being longlisted for the UK Tech Awards. Nicola was also highly commended as a Role Model in the Women in Tech Excellence Awards and has featured in various industry recognition lists.

Nicola is the creator of the ‘Tech Pathways’ podcast and newsletter, where she shares insights into thriving in the tech industry.

Vice-Chair and Programme Secretary
Mike Harris CITP FBCS

Mike has been a tester for 20 years. He has been a member of a test team, a lone Tester and a Test Lead. He has also worked as a part of waterfall, lean and agile teams.

Mike has set up and led a Testing Community of Practice and been part of a successful agile transition. He also is a conference speaker, has a testing and quality blog and has contributed to two ebooks: How Can I Test This? and Testing Stories.

Treasurer
Alan Giles MBCS

Alan Giles is Head of QA at Induction Healthcare Group, which provides innovative technology solutions across the secondary and community healthcare markets. He has over 10 years' experience of software quality and test in a range of industries including FinTech, HealthTech, payroll, and hospitality, especially enjoying the challenges digitisation and organisational transformation bring. Particular interests include the automation of tests and processes, release efficiency, hiring and mentoring, and accessibility.

Inclusion Officer
Maddy McMurray

Maddy McMurray is a QA Non-Functional Test Analyst, working for Sparta Global and currently on placement with a government organisation. Experienced in Operations and Finance, Maddy began retraining in tech in 2019, joined Sparta Global in 2022, and started their journey into the testing world.

They are a Neurodiversity and ADHD advocate who regularly speaks at professional events, using their lived experience to educate organisations and teams about accessibility, inclusion, and supporting neurodiverse people at work. Previously, they volunteered as the Education Liaison Officer for the Pride Special Interest Group, organising career talks for young LGBTQ+ students and professionals.

Outside of work, Maddy is an avid writer and history enthusiast, currently working on capturing the oral histories of LGBTQ+ people in Southend and Essex.

Events Coordinator
Gomathi Ramalingam

I’m a working mum with nearly 20 years of experience, supported by a wonderful husband and our 12-year-old son. Professionally, I’ve worked across various domains, participating in, leading, and managing testing teams. Currently, I’m the Director of QA and Product Delivery at Simba Chain.

Exploring testing in the Web3 world keeps me extremely excited. As a family, we love travelling, as I firmly believe that experience is the best teacher. I also enjoy running, which helps me plan my day and stay focused. I’m proud to have completed the London Marathon twice in the past five years.

Events Coordinator
James Tyack CITP FBCS

James Tyack is a Testing Leader and a graduate of the University of Bath in Computer Information Systems, with focal areas in Computer Science and Business Management. With over 20 years of experience in Software and Test, James has worked as a Software Developer and Testing Leader, excelling in Waterfall, Agile, Scaled Agile, and Agile Testing.

James is passionate about Testing, Quality, and Continuous Improvement, having built teams and mentored professionals throughout their careers. A dedicated STEM Ambassador, Apprentice Stream Founder, and Trainer, James is an active participant in local testing meet-ups and key conferences, whilst being a BCS Mentor.

The Tester Editor
Andy Shaw MBCS

Andrew is a software tester who has experience in testing web based and desktop software in the geographical, cargo and shipping, and lone worker industries.

He focused on the software testing area following a redundancy at the end of 2013 and has not looked back since. He is an advocate of exploratory testing, and has gained experience of manual and automated testing, and continually developing his career as a professional software tester.

He enjoys public speaking about software testing, at networking events and universities, as well as organising events for BCS. He also supports the different BCS Student Chapters and mentors people considering software testing as a career.

Community and Diversity Advocate
Gary Shannon

Gary Shannon is the Founder of Optimal and a community director, recruiter, and events host with 350+ hires across the UK, US, EU, and East Asia. ISTQB‑certified, he’s known for building inclusive tech communities, hosting TestBash and The Optimal Hype Show, and energising audiences with humour and straight talk.

Gary also organises regular in‑person meetups to connect and support the QA and engineering community.