Bespoke audits that protect exam integrity and identify gaps in practice.
Independent testing of exam-day security, malpractice prevention and protocol compliance — in person and online.
High-volume programmes managed by dedicated project managers
International reach across multiple countries and continents with one provider
Detailed, evidence-rich reports with clear risk ratings, trends and priority actions
How Serve Legal can help
The Risk
Weak exam security is more than poor practice — it’s commercial and regulatory exposure. Failures can lead to loss of trust, breach of SLA terms with awarding bodies, loss of contracts, and financial penalties under JCQ/Ofqual requirements. Independent monitoring helps exam delivery providers evidence compliance, track KPIs and prevent reputational damage before it becomes a formal issue.
How Serve Legal Helps
We test your exam controls in real conditions and document exactly where standards hold — and where they fail.
1) Unannounced mystery candidate audits
We deploy trained auditors who present as genuine candidates. They test the controls that matter most in live conditions, including:
- ID verification and admission procedures
- checks for prohibited items and attempted concealment
- response to suspected malpractice
- exam-room monitoring and exit controls
- technology misuse detection
2) Announced centre audits
For a full operational picture, we attend from set-up through close. We observe reception, security and invigilation, capture evidence where appropriate, and assess alignment with awarding-body policies. This format provides a structured, end-to-end compliance overview beyond the candidate lens.
3) Online exam compliance
We can apply the same approach to remote assessments. Using mystery candidate-style testing, we verify that online invigilators follow required security steps, prevent unauthorised breaks or room exits, and manage suspicious behaviour in line with policy.
4) Emerging malpractice testing
Malpractice evolves quickly. So do we.
We continuously update scenarios to reflect new methods — including smart devices and other emerging tech — and can adapt testing protocols rapidly to match current risk.
Data and Analytics Reporting
We don’t just run audits, we turn them into live, actionable intelligence. Our investment in data, software and automation goes far beyond industry norms, giving our clients faster insight, lower reporting costs, and a genuine competitive edge. Take a look at our reporting ecosystem, combining interactive Power BI dashboards, AI-powered data assurance and a developer-friendly REST API, helping you take control of compliance performance across your organisation.
Make Your Audit Your Own with Flexible “Bolt-On” Features for Every Service
Already planning an audit programme but want more insight?
Add extra checks, like promotional compliance, retail compliance, customer experience, or venue safety, without setting up a whole new programme. With Serve Legal’s bolt-on service, every audit is bespoke to your needs.
Our success stories
“We have worked with Serve Legal since 2008. During that time they have conducted over 14,000 audits to all of our stores in Scotland, North of England and Northern Ireland. Several stores are in very remote areas, as far north as Wick and Thurso. Serve Legal has always been able to visit any store that we have requested no matter how challenging the location. The audit reports are always delivered in an accurate and timely manner and the management team have a pro-active approach and are always looking for ways to improve their service to their customers. We would have no hesitation in recommending Serve Legal to others.”
“We use Serve Legal regularly to carry out tests on our compliance with age restricted sales. This includes tobacco and the recently introduced tobacco display ban. They deliver a reliable and efficient service within agreed deadlines and with very few data errors. They are able to swiftly provide accurate analysis of our data which helps with our training and future testing programs.”
“We have worked with Serve Legal since 2014 and they have significantly helped us to combat illegal broadcasting in the UK and Ireland. Their knowledge, expertise and robust auditing in conjunction with the prompt supply of infringement data has generated over 8,000 leads; which has led to valuable leads for our sales force and investigation team to defend our investment in exclusive sports content. Serve Legal have consistently delivered against agreed KPIs.”
“We have worked with Serve Legal since 2009 and they have helped us to significantly reduce our risk with age-restricted sales. They have played a key role in monitoring our risk across a range of age-restricted products. Their knowledge, speed of service and flexible data provision helps us to sharpen our training and inform our future approach to compliance.”
“The Serve Legal information is extremely useful, informative and well presented. The issues with sites not using ‘Challenge 25’ can now be dealt with the backing of evidence of where they’re failing. I am most pleased with how the surveys are being conducted and appreciate the detailed information provided.”
“Using an independent test purchase service such as Serve Legal demonstrates to the local authorities that I am taking the issue of underage sales seriously. The due diligence provided is invaluable and has played an important role in defending my license in a recent licensing hearing.”
“We have worked with Serve Legal since 2008. The visit reports are always delivered in an accurate and timely manner. The accuracy and consistency of the information provided has allowed us to identify training needs, target resource, protect our business and improve our compliance. I would have no hesitation in recommending Serve Legal to others.”
“We use Serve Legal monthly to conduct test purchases of alcohol, in order to monitor our adherence to our Challenge 25 policy. This is also extended to campaigns of test purchasing on other age-restricted products. The professionalism and flexibility they offer has assisted us in improving our compliance levels, and where required, using targeted activity. The online portal provides easy to read data in a timely fashion for reporting.”
“We have worked with Serve Legal since 2009 and they have helped us to significantly reduce our risk with age restricted sales. They have played a key role in monitoring our risk across a wide range of age restricted products. Their knowledge, speed of service and flexible data provision helps us to sharpen our training and inform our future approach to compliance.”
“Serve Legal was appointed by my company in order that we gain valued feedback from a licensing perspective. The relationship between Serve legal and my business is friendly, professional and feels personal. The feedback we have gained is invaluable to our operation, we have been able to use the data to make changes in our business to ensure a risk free operation. I would highly recommend.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We can tailor scenarios to the risks you want to stress-test, including multiple item types and concealment approaches.
Our standard reporting is fast and we also offer a 48-hour turnaround option when required.
Yes. We can match candidate profiles to your requirements using a large, pre-vetted auditor pool.
About us
In early 2006, Ed Heaver and Julian Sargeson were alcohol retailers with a problem. The local authority had decided one of their sites was consistently serving underage people.
They wanted to check their staff, measure the site performance and demonstrate to the authority they were taking the issue seriously. They couldn't find a company providing a cost-effective service, so they decided to do it themselves.
The business has since grown to become the market leading provider of compliance auditing services in the UK & Ireland, and a leading voice in the conversations around age-verification and food allergy policy.
Our Customer Experience Allergen audit has been designed in collaboration with an experienced Environmental Health Practitioner and is approved by Trading Standards.
Our Awards
Don't just take our word for it, see the awards that back up our claims of excellence.
Elite Business Finalist 2025
Moneypenny Customer Service of the Year Award
Elite Business Award Winner 2025
Top 100 SME Businesses - #8 in the UK
Growing Business Awards Winner 2023
Customer Experience and Loyalty Award
The Golden Grocer Awards 2022 Finalist
Business Initiative of the Year
Growing Business Awards Winner 2022
B2B Business of the Year
Business Champion Awards 2022 Finalist
Business Community Award
Get in touch today with a member of our team!
Start operating confidently when it comes to age-restricted products
Looking to work for us as one of our mystery shoppers?
