This article briefly chronicles nearly a decade of research and development activity undertaken in the area of assessment by a group of committed volunteers, "The Student Assessment and Classification Working Group" (SACWG). However, greater attention is given to demonstrating what a self-help approach can achieve in respect of research and development in higher education, and to identifying the factors that contribute to success in this respect. It is suggested that the approach has transfer value, provided that certain conditions are met. (Contains 1 note.)