AI & Digital Tools Statement

At Oakmere Editorial, clarity, accuracy, and integrity guide every stage of the editorial process. To support this, we work within a licensed Microsoft 365 environment and use a small set of reputable, trusted paid versions of digital tools to enhance efficiency and ensure consistency. These tools assist with quality control, but all editorial decisions remain fully human‑led. 

Human Expertise First

All editing, proofreading, and editorial judgement is carried out by us.

Generative AI is not used to rewrite text, alter style, or replace the author's voice. We do not use AI to restructure content or make creative decisions. Our editorial judgement, experience, and professional standards remain central at all times.

Digital tools support the process. Digital tools are used to create glossaries. They do not replace human skill or responsibility. 

Tools Used at Oakmere Editorial

We use a small, clearly defined set of tools to support accuracy, consistency, and workflow efficiency.

Microsoft 365 (Licensed, Closed System)

All work is carried out within a secure, licensed Microsoft 365 environment.

Documents are stored and processed within Microsoft’s closed, enterprise‑grade system.

No client content is shared externally unless explicitly agreed with the client.

Microsoft Word and PerfectIt (Licensed Add-In, Closed System)

Microsoft Word is used for tracked changes, comments, formatting checks, and document review.

We also use PerfectIt, a licensed Word add‑in developed by Intelligent Editing.

PerfectIt is a closed‑system, locally hosted tool that runs inside Word. It does not upload, transmit, or store client content outside the document environment.

PerfectIt

• checks for consistency in spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation, and formatting
• does not generate or rewrite text
• does not use generative AI
• provides suggestions that are reviewed manually

All decisions remain human‑controlled.

Microsoft Excel (Locally Hosted, Closed System)

Excel is used for

• collating editorial comments
• cross‑checking numerical data
• supporting document accuracy

Excel operates within the same licensed Microsoft 365 environment and does not transmit client content externally.

TextExpander (Locally Hosted Snippet Tool, Closed System)

TextExpander is used to insert standardised phrases, checklists, and administrative text efficiently.

It does not analyse, rewrite, or process client content.

It operates as a closed system, locally hosted tool, and no client material is transmitted or stored externally.

All editorial decisions and all text relating to client documents remain fully human created and human controlled.

PDF-XChange Editor

PDF‑XChange Editor is a desktop application used for viewing, editing, and annotating PDF documents. It operates locally on the user’s device, with limited online communication for licensing and updates.

LanguageTool Premium
LanguageTool Premium is a closed, third‑party cloud service that processes text on its own servers to provide grammar and writing‑enhancement functions.  When using LanguageTool Premium, text entered by the user is temporarily sent to LanguageTool’s secure servers solely for the purpose of providing grammar and writing‑enhancement suggestions. The service does not store or reuse this text after processing.

X-bench
X-bench is a closed, third-party quality assurance tool used to check consistency, terminology, and accuracy in written content. It helps ensure that documents are error free, professionally aligned, and follow the required style or terminology guidelines. By automatically flagging inconsistencies, repeated mistakes, and missing terms, Xbench supports reliable, high quality content production.

Google Search (Open System, Research Only)

Google Search is used solely for fact‑checking, terminology verification, and confirming publicly available information.

Client content is never uploaded, pasted, or shared with Google or any open AI system.

Only general research queries are used, ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Open and Closed Systems Explained

Closed systems (Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, PerfectIt, TextExpander, LanguageTool Premium, X-bench)

• operate locally or within secure and licensed environments
• do not transmit client content externally
• do not use generative AI
• keep all material confidential and contained.

Open systems (Google Search)

• used only for general research
• never receive client text or confidential material

Your content remains protected, private, and under human control throughout the process.

Client Consent

Oakmere Editorial only uses reputable, licensed providers and maintains strict confidentiality of all client materials.

By submitting content for editing, clients acknowledge and consent to the use of the digital tools listed in this statement — including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Word with the licensed PerfectIt add‑in, PDF-XChange Editor Microsoft Excel, TextExpander, LanguageTool Premium, X-bench, and Google Search for fact‑checking — all of which are used solely under our direct supervision.

Clients may request:

• full use of the tools listed above
• partial use
• or a fully manual workflow

Your preferences are always respected, and your editorial process remains transparent and under your control.

As a passionate advocate for ongoing professional development and to complement my previous experience as an Editorial Lead/ Delegated Business Compliance Approver, I completed the Schroders AI & Automation Training (2025). As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguistics (CIOL), I abide by their Membership Codes.