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 reporting of citation and reference issues
- Deterministic, rule-based analysis
- 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 – 01/02/2026
Summary
Improvements to reference parsing, accessibility, and performance.
What changed
- Refinements to reference parsing and matching logic
- Minor accessibility and usability improvements
- Performance and reliability enhancements
Impact on users
Users may notice improved handling of references and smoother interaction with the interface. No change to how findings should be interpreted.
Governance and assessment impact
No change to the scope, purpose, or governance considerations of Ref-Check. Outputs remain deterministic and rule-based.
Ongoing areas of development
Some aspects of Ref-Check are continuously refined and may be updated between releases. These include:
- reference parsing and matching improvements
- accessibility and usability refinements
- performance, reliability, and stability enhancements
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