Last month, nearly 500 quality professionals gathered in London for Quality Live 2025, an event championing innovation, sustainability, and transformation in the quality profession.
Representing Shirley Parsons was Partner and Technical Director Graham Taylor and Senior Quality Consultant Nathan Sasso who shares his reflections on a day packed with insight, connection, and forward-thinking strategy.
‘This year felt different, in the best way’
Quality Live 2025 brought together decision-makers, practitioners, and pioneers to explore the future of quality. The event set the tone for the year ahead, making clear that quality is not just a compliance function but a strategic driver of innovation and resilience.
“There was a real sense of momentum in the room. Everyone from auditors to directors seemed aligned on one thing: the profession is changing, and we all have a role to play in shaping where it goes next.”
A partnership built on purpose.
Shirley Parsons has been a CQI strategic partner for nearly a decade, supporting organisations and professionals in building capability and adapting to change.
“As strategic partners, we see events like Quality Live as more than just networking opportunities, they’re about engaging with the real issues. Our role is to help organisations connect quality with business performance, especially in high-risk, high-impact environments. That’s where our purpose and capability align.”
Key themes: Digital, Data & Leadership.
Several consistent themes emerged throughout the day including: the acceleration of digital transformation, the redefinition of auditing, and the increasing focus on cultural and behavioural quality.
“AI and real-time data were front and centre but not in a theoretical way. We heard practical ideas about how these tools can enhance decision-making and audit performance. But it wasn’t just about tech, there was a strong emphasis on leadership behaviours, culture, and how to build trust in times of change.”
A standout session on strategy and credibility.
For Nathan, one highlight was the panel session featuring Andy McDonald, Dan Kent, Judith Ward, and Anar Malikov, a conversation that balanced vision with lived experience.
“It wasn’t just about the tools we use; it was about how we lead, communicate, and remain credible through transformation. There was something very real and honest about that discussion and it resonated with a lot of people in the room.”
Conversations that matter.
Throughout the day, Shirley Parsons’ stand welcomed professionals from across sectors.
“The conversations we had weren’t just about broad trends, they were practical, often centred on real delivery challenges. There was particular interest in how our quality consultancy supports large infrastructure programmes to stay on track and within budget. I spoke with leaders from rail, energy, and public sector organisations who were keen to understand how our team applies BS 99001, supplier assurance, and culture change frameworks to complex environments.”
These conversations allowed Shirley Parsons to showcase recent case studies, from helping embed BS 99001 into a major nuclear programme, to strengthening governance in a £5bn UK rail portfolio, to providing interim quality leadership within government major projects.
“There’s a real appetite for quality to do more than assure. It needs to enable performance. That’s what we’re doing through our consultancy and talent work.”
Looking ahead: how Shirley Parsons will continue to lead.
Shirley Parsons’ role in the quality space extends well beyond recruitment. With expertise spanning high-risk infrastructure, energy, transport, and public sector transformation, we deliver value through consulting, interim management, and permanent talent solutions.
“Whether we’re embedding BS 99001, strengthening supplier assurance, or placing transformational leaders into national programmes, we’re not just filling roles, we’re solving problems. Our role is to be both guide and partner, helping clients build quality capability that delivers real outcomes. It’s a privilege to support a profession that’s constantly evolving and to do it alongside a community that genuinely wants to learn from each other and move forward together.”
Looking to strengthen your quality function or take your next step as a quality leader?
Whether you’re building a future-ready team or planning your own career move, we’re here to help. Connect with Nathan Sasso or get in touch to explore how Shirley Parsons can support your goals.
