The QP Diaries, by AssureBio

Step inside the real journey to becoming a Qualified Person (QP) — the emotional highs, the setbacks, the VIVA pressure, and the diverse paths that lead to one of pharma’s most respected roles. In this deep dive, we share real stories from QPs, assessors, and trainees — revealing what it actually takes to qualify, what makes candidates stand out, and why the QP role is far more than just technical...

The 3 Golden Threads: Lessons from 21 QPs is an exclusive 10-minute bonus for the early launch group. Drawn from years of conversations, it explores resilience, leadership, and patient focus, the timeless lessons every QP needs. A glimpse of what’s to come in The Playbook Unlock the 3 Golden Threads shared by 21 Qualified Persons—powerful insights that every aspiring or current QP, QA professional...

Dive into the ultimate collection of QP wisdom—distilled from 21 world-class Quality leaders across the pharmaceutical industry. Whether you're preparing for your QP Viva, navigating GMP compliance, building a quality culture, or stepping into pharma leadership, this video breaks down the most powerful lessons shared on The QP Diaries: The Playbook. Perfect for aspiring QPs, QA professionals,...

AI is reshaping pharmaceutical Quality Assurance faster than ever — from batch release to deviation investigations to QP training. In this deep-dive, we unpack insights from leading voices in pharma QA and QP development, exploring the real impact of AI, the new skills QPs must build, and the regulatory gaps the industry urgently needs to address. If you're a Qualified Person, QA Manager, Qual...

In this Deep Dive, we unpack the human side of pharmaceutical Quality Assurance — from building high-performing QA cultures to coaching future QPs, handling pressure, leading through change and preparing for AI-driven quality systems. Drawn from candid interviews with Qualified Persons (QPs) and senior QA leaders across the UK pharma industry, this episode delivers real-world insights on leadershi...

This episode dives deep into how GMP pharmaceutical facilities are really built, featuring real stories and insights from Qualified Persons (QPs) and Quality leaders who have led new site builds, scale-ups, aseptic expansions, and MHRA inspections. If you work in QA, QC, Validation, ATMPs, sterile manufacturing, or are on the QP pathway, this is your shortcut to understanding the risks, pitfalls,...

Learn what really happens when a pharma quality crisis hits. In this QP Diaries deep-dive, we explore how Qualified Persons (QPs) lead GMP remediation, restore MHRA/FDA compliance, fix systemic quality failures, and rebuild a strong quality culture under extreme pressure. Featuring insights from leading QPs in the UK pharmaceutical industry, this episode breaks down the real triggers behind qualit...

Discover the REALITY of becoming a Qualified Person (QP) — the training, the viva, the failures, the crises, and the leadership journey. This deep dive reveals true stories from AssureBio’s QP Diaries archive: batch release challenges, high-stakes decisions, QP mindset, resilience, quality culture, and how QPs evolve across decades. Whether you're an aspiring QP, a QA professional, or leading...

What happens when someone outside of QA gets the chance to step up as a Qualified Person? In this episode of The QP Diaries, we sit down with Graham Clarke, a seasoned pharmaceutical professional whose 20+ year journey spans sterile manufacturing, solid dosage forms, and cutting-edge cell and gene therapy. Graham shares his unexpected path into QA and how he seized the opportunity to become a QP a...

In this episode of the QP Diaries, we’re joined by  Adam Walker,  the first NHS Qualified Person (QP) to appear on the podcast. Adam shares his personal journey to becoming a QP, how he tackled the VIVA (and what he’d do differently), and his pivotal role in leading development and innovation at the  NENC Medicines Manufacturing Centre . We dive into how the NHS is transforming aseptic services ac...

In this episode of  The QP Diaries , we’re joined by Stephen Clarke, newly appointed Head of Quality and Qualified Person at BDD. With decades of experience across diverse pharmaceutical environments and a proven track record leading global Quality functions, Stephen shares his unique journey, from his early days in food lab QC to becoming a QP responsible for complex clinical and commercial produ...

In this episode of  The QP Diaries , we’re joined by Damian Larrington — an experienced and eligible Qualified Person under 2001/83/EC and 2001/20/EC, with a background spanning aseptic, biologic, ATMP, IMP, terminally sterilised, and solid dose products. We explore Damian’s journey to becoming a QP, what it truly means to be “the right person” for the role, and how to balance study, work, and per...

In this episode, Dal is joined by Marie, a distinguished Quality Professional whose career reflects decades of diverse experience across R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance. From her early days as a QC Chemist to her most recent role as QP for sterile products, Marie shares candid reflections on embracing mistakes as powerful learning moments, staying open to new opportunities, and...

In this episode, Dal sits down with David Waddington, a true veteran of the pharmaceutical quality landscape, whose career spans over 30 years across global roles in QA, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. From his first steps toward becoming a Qualified Person (QP) to leading international quality teams at major pharmaceutical organizations, Dave shares a career built on embracing opportuni...

What does it really take to become a Qualified Person—and feel confident in the role once you're there? In this episode of The QP Diaries, we’re joined by Vicky, an experienced Qualified Person, Quality professional, and NSF trainer with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Her career spans R&D, clinical trials, tech transfer, commercial manufacturing, and site closures—giving her...

With over 16 years of pharmaceutical experience, Uche Ekwuozor is a Chartered Chemist, Chartered Scientist, and Qualified Person (QP) renowned for his deep expertise in sterile products, biologicals, and GMP compliance. From leading MHRA remediation projects to overseeing global quality operations at top pharmaceutical firms like BMS/Celgene and MSD Animal Health, Uche brings a wealth of insight i...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode, host Dal welcomes Catherine Kay from NSF, the new sponsor of the show. With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical operations management and technical QA, Catherine is also an eligible QP. Together, they explore the vital role of quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry and the dedication required to become a Qualified Person (QP)....

In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal interviews Mark King, who has over 30 years of experience in Quality based roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Mark is a Qualified Person under the permanent provisions since March 2001, and a former QP Assessor, Vice Chair and Chair of the Royal Society of Biology QP Assessors Panel. During the episode, Mark shares insights from his career...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal interviews Ilona, a newly qualified QP in the UK pharmaceutical industry. Ilona shares her journey from a background in microbiology to becoming a QP, discussing her experience in quality control and R&D roles in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. Tune in to gain insights into Ilona's career transition an...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal Pawar interviews Rebecca, a seasoned quality assurance professional and qualified person (QP) in the UK pharmaceutical industry. They discuss various aspects of Rebecca's career, including her journey as a QP, her expertise, and her accomplishments. The episode focuses on leadership, team collaboration, tools an...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal Pawar speaks with guest is Phil Rose, who shares his personal experience of failing the Viva (oral examination) the first time and how he overcame it. Phil provides a brief overview of his career journey, starting from his early lab work to his training as a QP and eventually becoming an inspector at the MHRA (M...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal Pawar speaks with a seasoned qualified person (QP) in the pharmaceutical industry. They discuss the guest's career journey and provide valuable advice for aspiring QPs. Additionally, they delve into the topic of working on remediation projects in the industry. With over 30 years of experience, the guest shar...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal Pawar speaks with qualified QP, Kevin Currie, from the pharmaceutical industry. They discuss the importance of inspiring and empowering the next generation of QPs and share their personal story and expertise. Kevin shares how their career started in a laboratory working with chemicals and how they learned critic...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode of the QP Diaries podcast, host Dal Pawar speaks with qualified QP, Kevin Currie, from the pharmaceutical industry. They discuss the importance of inspiring and empowering the next generation of QPs and share their personal story and expertise. Kevin shares how their career started in a laboratory working with chemicals and how they learned critic...

Welcome to the QP Diaries podcast! In this episode, our host Dal Pawar sits down with special guest Richard to discuss his journey to becoming a Qualified Person (QP) and his experiences as a QP sponsor and assessor. They also delve into Richard's leadership experience and how he manages stress in his role. Plus, they explore the fascinating topic of artificial intelligence and its impact on t...