A Conversation with Julie Kelly – Choosing a Secure Credentialing System

Julie Kelly, a HE Consultant and former Academic Registrar has joined Advanced Secure Technologies as a non-executive director.

After two decades working in financial services, Julie joined the higher education (HE) sector, taking on a number of roles over her 17-year career, first at the Open University and then at the University of Hertfordshire.

As Academic Registrar at Hertfordshire, Julie was responsible for the operational success of the university’s Academic Registry Strategic Business Unit during a period of significant growth in student numbers.

We spoke to Julie about her new role at Advanced Secure Technologies, and her thoughts on secure credentialing.

How did you get involved with Advanced Secure Technologies?

“Hertfordshire was already working with Advanced Secure when I joined, and during my time there we implemented more of their solutions. I could see the difference the technology was making to the university, from increased efficiency to a better student experience.

I had met Kevin and Georgina at various events, and thought they were really nice people. When I decided to become a HE Consultant, I reached out to them and offered my help. With my knowledge of the sector and network of contacts, combined with my previous banking experience dealing with fraud, I thought we might be able to work together. It’s an exciting time for Advanced Secure and I’m looking forward to working with Kevin, Georgina and the team to help them achieve their ambitious growth targets for the business.”

What do you think of Advanced Secure Technologies and the work we do?

“As a longstanding customer of Advanced Secure, I could see the benefit their solutions bought to the University of Hertfordshire. It is a very impressive technology from an impressive business. The big push in the HE sector is to try to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve the student experience. Advanced Secure’s certification solutions achieve all those aims whilst protecting the reputation of institutes and the wider sector from fraud.

Degree awarding powers are the crown jewels of a university, their most important assets, and they must be protected. Universities can suffer from serious reputation and financial damage if their degrees are compromised in any way. For so many universities to place their trust in Advanced Secure to protect their most important assets shows just how valued the business is.”

Why is it such a pivotal time for the HE sector?

“Despite the recent increase in tuition fees, government funding remains very tight. The rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions is expected to offset any financial gains. So, universities need to work more efficiently and find new ways to save money.

At the same time the threat of fraud to the sector is exponentially growing, both in terms of cyberattacks and certification fraud. When I was at Hertfordshire, certification fraud was a constant concern. We regularly received emails from employers and others asking us to confirm if certificates and qualifications were genuine, and many weren’t.

So, these dual pressures on institutions are forcing them to look for effective and innovative solutions.”

As a former Academic Registrar, what are your tips for choosing a credentialing system? 

“As the demand for lifelong learning and skill development increases, there is a growing emphasis on credentials and credentialling platforms.

If your institution can offer a range of secure credentials, from micro-credentials and digital badges to digital and paper-based certificates, you can attract a wider range of students, enhance engagement and retention. Here are some of my tips for choosing a credentialing system.

Tip #1 – Choose a partner, not a supplier

The most important consideration when choosing a credentialing platform is to have a strong, ongoing relationship with the provider. They must be a partner to your organisation and not just a supplier. Implementing a new technology can be difficult at the best of times, so you need to be able to work with a team that’s supportive, that can help you to get the best results for you and your students. Implementing something as important to your organisation as a credentialing platform requires an extra level of trust. What’s so different about Advanced Secure is the team and the support they provide. I found them to be incredibly patient, supportive and helpful when guiding us through the implementation process and beyond.

Tip 2# – Transparency is important

Another consideration is transparency. Universities and other HE institutions are facing increased financial pressures. So, when they invest in a new technology, they need to know how much it is going to cost to implement and what the ongoing expenses are likely to be. The provider must be upfront about the costs involved and open and transparent about any additional expenses.

Tip 3# – Innovation is vital

The threat from fraudsters is changing all the time, so your credentialing platform must be able to adapt to meet those threats. You will want to work with a provider that is committed to stopping fraud using innovative solutions. Advanced Secure are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what their technology can deliver. They always have one eye on the future and what the next threat might be. And this is where the importance of a strong relationship comes in.

Tip 4# – Micro-credentials are the future

In England, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement could transform post-18 education, allowing people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications throughout their lives. If it’s implemented by the new government, this policy could change the qualifications system and increase the importance of stackable micro-credentials. A good credentialing solution will already offer micro-credentials and digital badges alongside digital and paper certificates from a single, secure platform.”

Read more about the micro-credentials and digital badges on our blog.

Julie Kelly selected CV

2024 – Present – HE Consultant

2020 – 2024 – Academic Registrar, University of Hertfordshire

2013 – 2020 – Head of the Student Centre, University of Hertfordshire

2007 – 2013 – Open University (various roles, including Project Manager)

1997 – 2007 – Team Leader, Santander

Follow Julie Kelly on LinkedIn.