Mitie puts Polaris to the test

The challenge

Mitie wanted to explore whether digital assessment could reduce the time, cost and administration associated with paper-based assessment delivery. Traditional processes relied on printed assessment papers, paper observation records and manual marking, creating unnecessary resource requirements for trainers and administrators.

What we did

In July, Mitie started a seven-week trial of Polaris by Wayvero, using it to deliver and mark assessments for Highfield First Aid qualifications.

The aim was to see what difference moving away from paper could actually make.

During the trial, 22 tutors used Polaris for multiple-choice assessments and observation records, replacing processes that would normally involve printing, paper-based marking and manual administration.

And the savings quickly added up.

1,100+ sheets of paper saved

£1,105 in direct cost savings

Alongside the obvious reduction in paper and printing costs, tutors spent less time preparing, marking and processing assessments.

The outcome

The trial was only ever intended to test the approach on a relatively small scale.

It worked well enough that Mitie is now rolling it out across its First Aid trainers.

Based on the trial, Mitie expects the move to digital assessment to save between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.

For us, this is exactly what Polaris is supposed to do.

It doesn't need to make assessment more complicated. It just takes away some of the paper, admin and repetitive work that doesn't need to be there.

Less paper. Less admin. More time for everything else.