For the pupils already enrolled in the QQI qualifications or who are thinking of pursuing them, there are certain policies that you should know about. And the National Academic Integrity Network, or NAIN, is one of them.
Launched in 2019, NAIN was established to safeguard academic integrity, honesty, and fairness against cheating. Moreover, it brings together colleges, training providers, and pupils to fight against cheating, especially contract cheating, where pupils pay someone else to write their assignments or essays.
This move came at the right time. Across the world, cheating services were growing. They advertise plagiarism-free work, which can easily trick plagiarism detection tools.
The goal of QQI was to ensure that Irish learning remained strong and respected. Hence, it focuses on both legal changes and collaboration between institutions.
Want to know more about NAIN? Then this blog is for you. Here, we will walk you through the details along with the role of assignment services in this.
Why Was NAIN Created?
So, why was NAIN even created?
Well, the reason behind this is simple. As you are all aware, cheating in learning is not a new phenomenon. However, the way it happens has undergone a complete transformation.
Years ago, pupils copied text from books or websites. Today, many turn to paid services that create essays, reports, and even theses.
These can look original, making them harder to detect.
Hence, to tackle them, Ireland responded by updating the law through the Qualifications & quality Assurance Act 2018.
This law focuses on protecting higher and further learning; however, it does not apply to school exams.
Apart from this, the QQI recognized the importance of creating a network where learners and pupils could collaborate on prevention and awareness initiatives. That’s how NAIN was created.
Leadership and Growth
In 2025, Dr.Mary-Clarie Kennedy, Academic Integrity Lead, was appointed as the new chairperson of NAIN.
Furthermore, she replaced Billy Kelly, who had guided the network since its inception. Thus, the leadership change shows that the network is strong, active and moving forward.
Global Connections: The Birth of GAIN
Well, cheating is not just an Irish problem. Instead, it is a global challenge. That is why QQI went a step further. They partnered with TEQSA in Australia to create GAIN in 2022.
Surprisingly, GAIN now comprises 40 quality agencies worldwide, spanning the UK, NZ, and SA. It shares strategies, laws, and ideas to stop academic fraud internationally.
The best thing is that this partnership is supported by UNESCO. Thus, this shows the global support it is getting.
What Does NAIN Do?
Here comes the most asked question. What does NAIN do?
Well, it is not just about catching cheaters. Instead, it is about building a culture of honesty in learning.
Hence, since its launch, it has:
- Brought people together, like representatives from colleges, student unions, libraries, and training boards, to work together under the network.
- Furthermore, since 2019, many meetings, webinars, and more than 20 large sessions, plus masterclasses and training events, have been held.
- Also, they are creating useful resources, including National Guidelines on Academic Integrity, Lexicon for discussing cheating cases, and Guidelines on AI tools like ChatGPT.
- It is even expanding more sectors focused on higher learning. In 2024 the NAIN also welcomed representatives from the FET sector, making it even more inclusive.
Why is NAIN Essential?
There is not one but many reasons why NAIN is essential.
This matters because NAIN helps keep learning fair and respected. Furthermore, it is also valuable because:
- There are clear rules and language. Thus, everyone uses the same definitions when talking about cheating. So, there is no confusion.
- Furthermore, it is not just punishment. Instead, it is prevention. NAIN focuses on teaching pupils why fairness matters.
- Additionally, it helps you to adapt to new challenges. With new tools like AI, this offers fresh guidelines. Thus, this approach allows teachers to adapt quickly.
- NAIN includes both higher learning and FET. This shows honesty in every type of learning.
- It is working with the world. Through GAIN, Ireland is not just solving local problems. Instead, it is helping lead a global fight against cheating.
So, now you know the reason why NAIN is essential.
What is the Role of Assignment Writing Services in This?
There is no denying that many assignment writing services are currently available.
And this does raise concern.
Are they reliable? Is it considered cheating? What to do when you need help?
Well, the answer is simple. Asking someone else to do your work is cheating as you have no clue whether they are working on it themselves or copying from already written work. However, not all QQI Assignment Help services are fake. Some even advertise themselves as a learning website that helps you grasp the topics, simplify the complex topics, and help you meet the deadlines.
Furthermore, these services can assist you with research and outlining. This ensures that you work on the assignments yourself while seeking help. Think of these writing services as the support system, guiding you to achieve academic success.
Hence, for pupils who are struggling big time with their assignments, like having difficulty in managing deadlines, needing some editing done or wanting feedback, they have you covered.
What’s Next for NAIN?
Before we end the guide, let’s have a look at what’s next for NAIN.
As the network grows, its goals become clearer. Here is what you need to know:
- They are offering training for educators. Hence, the teachers can know how to handle online assessments, detect cheating, and guide pupils.
- Furthermore, it is offering support to pupils. This ensures that the new and foreign pupils know the academic rules. Also, they are able to find the right help.
- Moreover, they are running awareness campaigns to raise awareness among pupils about the risk of using essay mills and promote honest study.
The future for NAIN does look promising.
Wrap Up!
This brings us to the end of the guide. The launch of NAIN was a crucial step for Irish learning. By combining strong laws, practical tools, and collab between learning, QQI, and Nain are showing that honesty is everyone’s responsibility.
Additionally, learning should always be about learning and not shortcuts. With NAIN and GAIN working both locally and globally, Ireland is leading the way in making sure that degrees, qualifications and achievements remain credible, fair and respected.
