Integrity Advocate &
AIM Group

Digital transformation in assessment isn’t as simple as swapping a classroom for a Zoom link. It requires purpose-built technology and strong partnerships to get it right. AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, a leading UK Awarding Organisation (AO), recognized that online assessments would soon become the norm, but needed a solution that met Ofqual’s strict standards without adding complexity for learners or administrators.

“In five years, online assessments will be the default,” says Fabienne Bailey, Director of Business Growth and Transformation at AIM Group. To make that future a reality, AIM partnered with Coelrind and Integrity Advocate to adapt a seamless, fully compliant remote assessment system—one that works on any device, requires no installations and upholds the highest exam integrity.

Key Outcomes

• Regulatory compliance – Full alignment with Ofqual’s assessment standards
• Seamless accessibility – No plug-ins or installations required, reducing adoption barriers
• Mobile-friendly & user-focused – Works on any device, making assessments easier for learners
• Scalable & cost-effective – Supports multiple UK testing centres without logistical bottlenecks
• Minimized technical issues – Pre-exam system checks and clear instructions ensure smooth exam sessions

“With Integrity Advocate, we’ve got an on-demand system that can be taken anytime, anywhere.” 

Fabienne Bailey, Director for Business Growth and Transformation, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group

Challenge

Bringing regulated assessments online comes with high stakes. Security, compliance, and accessibility all need to align without creating unnecessary barriers for test-takers. AIM Group needed a solution that upheld assessment integrity while making the process seamless for learners and administrators alike.

The key challenges were clear:

• In-person exams were costly and difficult to scale. Traditional assessments required dedicated invigilators and significant administrative overhead.
• Most proctoring tools weren’t flexible enough. Many required plug-ins, lacked tablet compatibility and introduced unnecessary hurdles for learners.
• Compliance was critical. Every assessment had to meet strict integrity standards, ensuring that qualifications remained credible in a digital format.

“We were addressing two very specific issues—the tablet issue and the plug-in issue—which were making it impossible to bring one of AIM’s largest clients onboard,” says John O’Sullivan, Coelrind.

Why Compliance Matters

As an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, AIM Group must meet the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation’s high standards for fairness and security in assessments. Ofqual ensures that qualifications remain credible, consistent and aligned with national skills frameworks—whether delivered in person or online.

To maintain compliance, AIM Group had to adhere to evolving guidelines covering:

• Responsible use of AI in assessment security
• Strict invigilation requirements to prevent misconduct
• Technical standards that ensure online exams are as rigorous as traditional assessments

With online learning on the rise, keeping up with these regulations wasn’t just important—it was essential to safeguarding the integrity of every certification awarded.

Solution

AIM Group worked with Coelrind and Integrity Advocate to tailor a remote assessment system that removed technical barriers while ensuring exam integrity. “The main goal was to make this user-friendly, for the end users… to make sure that when they get to the live exam, it all works swimmingly,” says Bailey.

• Coelrind provided the technical foundation – Their learning and assessment platform enabled AIM Group to manage exam delivery efficiently across multiple testing centres.
• Integrity Advocate ensured security and compliance – A no-install, mobile-friendly proctoring solution that aligned with Ofqual’s regulations and removed common roadblocks for learners.
• User experience remained a top priority – Built-in system checks, clear instructions and accessibility across devices ensured that every learner could complete their exam without frustration.

“What we thought we needed in the front end soon evolved. It’s been an evolutionary process that’s kept growing as things progressed, but all for the right reasons: to best support the centres and the learners.”

Fabienne Bailey

Results

Now fully implemented, AIM Group’s system has transformed assessment delivery.

“It all seems to be working well. Everyone’s got a great new asset to support their learners with,” says Bailey.

The partnership between AIM Group, Coelrind and Integrity Advocate played a critical role in ensuring success.

“Integrity Advocate is really easy to work with, really fun to work with and very responsive. There’s always a quick turnaround for change requests; they’ve kept us updated with their progress. I would recommend them 100%.”

AIM Group’s experience highlights the complexity of getting online assessment right—especially when working with regulated certifications. But with innovative technology and strong partnerships, it’s possible to deliver a solution that’s easy to use, cost-effective and puts learners first.