AI in Test Automation and Accessibility is Quality.

The May Meetup is on it's way. To register for this and future events you'll need to sign up and join the Newcastle Chapter on Ministry of Testing, it's free to join and you get access to some other stuff on there too! Just follow this link:

Ministry of Testing Newcastle - May Event

On the 20th of May The Ministry of Testing Newcastle Team are returning with 2 great talks lined up! First up we have Dilip Rao and Manoj Katariya talking about AI in Test Automation followed by a session with Kennedy Bonsu with a talk titled; Accessibility is Quality. Embedding Inclusive Testing Into Core QA Strategy.

We'll be hosting this event at Thought Works in Newcastle - 78 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AF. As always we'll be providing food and refreshments

AI in Test Automation

Dilip Rao brings over 25 years of experience in software testing and automation. He is deeply passionate about the evolving role of AI in testing and currently leads the global business unit at FireFlink. With a track record in driving innovation and quality engineering practices, Dilip offers insights into the future of intelligent testing.
Manoj Katariya has more than 20 years of experience in building and scaling sales and go-to-market strategies for IT companies. As the current Head of Global Sales at FireFlink, he plays a key role in driving business growth and expanding market reach. His perspective bridges the gap between technology and business, offering a strategic view on delivering value through testing solutions.
Together, they bring a powerful combination of technical depth and business acumen to the conversation.
Agenda –
· Introduction of Speakers

· AI in Test Automation:

o Hype, Reality, and What Actually Helps QA Teams

o The Reality of Test Automation Today

o Where Traditional Test Automation Falls Short

o From Code-Centric Testing to Intent-Driven Testing.

o What QA Teams Should Expect from AI-Powered Automation

· What AI-Powered Codeless Automation Looks Like in Practice

· How AI Is Reshaping the Role of QA Professionals

Accessibility is Quality. Embedding Inclusive Testing Into Core QA Strategy.

Accessibility is not a bolt-on or a compliance afterthought. It is a core measure of product quality.

Embedding inclusive testing into the QA strategy means ensuring that every feature is designed, built and tested to work for all users, including those using assistive technologies.

This approach shifts accessibility to the left, integrating it into requirements, development and the testing processes rather than addressing it at the end of the lifecycle.

This can be achieved by combining automated checks with manual, experience-based testing, teams can identify issues earlier, reduce rework, and deliver more robust, usable products. Ultimately, treating accessibility as quality leads to better user experiences, stronger compliance, and more efficient, sustainable delivery.