Updates & release notes
A record of meaningful updates to Ref-Check, documented to support transparency, continuity, and institutional assurance.
Purpose of this page
This page summarises updates and changes to Ref-Check. Updates are documented to support transparency, continuity, and institutional assurance.
Where changes affect functionality, outputs, or governance considerations, these are described clearly. Where no such impact exists, this is stated explicitly.
How updates are described
Ref-Check does not use traditional public version numbering. Updates are grouped by date and described according to their practical effect rather than internal build identifiers.
Unless stated otherwise, updates do not change:
- the scope or purpose of Ref-Check
- how outputs should be interpreted
- Ref-Check’s role as a support tool rather than a decision-making system
- data handling, retention, or use of generative AI
Foundational release
Initial public release following pilot testing
This release marks the first public availability of Ref-Check following pilot testing and internal validation.
The system made available at this stage reflects a stable, tested version of Ref-Check, while development continues in line with user feedback and ongoing refinement.
Summary
Initial public release following pilot testing.
What this release includes
- Core reference checking and verification functionality
- Structured analysis of in-text citations and reference lists
- Deterministic, rule-based processing (non-generative)
- Early-stage multi-source reference verification
- Initial structured feedback to support interpretation of outputs
- Interface and workflow refined through pilot use
Impact on users
Users can access a fully functioning version of Ref-Check that reflects the outcomes of pilot testing and early feedback.
Governance and assessment impact
This release establishes the baseline behaviour of Ref-Check. There is no change to the scope, purpose, or interpretive role of the system.
Ongoing development updates
Release – 10/05/2026
Summary
Introduction of an 'Explain my results' guided review feature to improve clarity, accessibility, and confidence when interpreting Ref-Check outputs.
What changed
- Added an 'Explain my result' option to the Referencing Overview panel
- Introduced a Guided review panel that explains key findings in clear, plain language
- The guided review only highlights items that may need attention, helping to reduce unnecessary information
- Findings are explained in the same order as the overview panel to make them easier to follow
- Wording has been refined to support students, academics, editors, reviewers, and users who may be anxious, dyslexic, neurodiverse, or using English as an additional language
- The panel uses short sentences, digits rather than written numbers, and soft visual markers instead of warning icons
- Guidance for citation and reference mismatches now reminds users to check author names and years, as small differences can prevent a match
- Guidance for unverified references now points users towards the Manual Search option where further checking may be helpful
- AI-generated reference risk wording has been refined to remain advisory, reassuring, and non-accusatory
Impact on users
Users are given clearer guidance on what the results mean and what to check next. The update is designed to reduce anxiety and make Ref-Check easier to use, particularly where users may feel overwhelmed by numerical summaries or multiple result cards.
Governance and assessment impact
No change to the scope, purpose, or decision-making role of Ref-Check. Outputs remain deterministic and advisory in nature, supporting but not replacing academic, editorial, or professional judgement.
Release – 01/02/2026
Summary
Expansion of reference analysis capability, verification processes, and user-facing feedback, alongside continued improvements in accessibility and system performance.
What changed
- Enhanced reference parsing and matching logic, including improved handling of complex citation patterns and formatting variations
- Expansion of reference verification using multiple openly available scholarly metadata sources
- Introduction of structured “Show Me” feedback to support understanding of referencing issues and how to address them
- Improved handling of edge cases, including corporate authors, et al. usage, and minor variations in author naming
- Introduction of advisory signals highlighting potentially fabricated or unverifiable references, including patterns sometimes associated with AI-generated content
- Accessibility and usability refinements to support a wider range of users, including those with neurodiverse needs
- Performance, reliability, and stability enhancements across document processing
Impact on users
Users may notice improved accuracy in reference matching and verification, clearer feedback on identified issues, and more consistent handling of complex or ambiguous references. These changes are designed to support interpretation and understanding, rather than alter how outputs should be used in assessment or decision-making.
Governance and assessment impact
No change to the scope or purpose of Ref-Check. Outputs remain deterministic and advisory in nature, supporting but not replacing academic judgement. Enhancements improve consistency, transparency, and usability without changing the interpretive role of the system.
Ongoing areas of development
Ref-Check is continuously refined through incremental improvements rather than disruptive changes. Development focuses on enhancing accuracy, clarity, and consistency while maintaining stable interpretation of outputs.
- reference parsing and matching improvements
- verification coverage and reliability
- accessibility and usability refinements
- performance, stability, and processing efficiency
Where changes in these areas are significant or user-visible, they are documented on this page.
Governance and change control
Ref-Check is developed with awareness of its use in education, research, and professional contexts. Changes are assessed not only for technical impact, but also for their potential effect on interpretation, consistency, and institutional use.
Where a change may affect governance, assessment practice, or institutional assurance, this will be stated explicitly.
Contact and queries
If you have questions about an update or its implications for use, please contact us.
Contact: info@ref-check.co.uk