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The baseline design of the positron source for the International Linear Collider (ILC) incorporates a helical undulator and pair-production target in order to generate the unprecedented quantities of positrons required to sustain the intended ILC physics programme. This configuration is challenging but readily achievable by using novel adaptations of existing technologies to avoid problems inherent in conventional positron sources in which the stresses in the target(s) and activation of the target station are both serious problems. In addition, a highly polarized positron beam, essential for realizing the full potential of the ILC, can be produced by a simple upgrade to the baseline design. A major contribution to the international design effort is being led by the UK-based HeLiCal collaboration. The collaboration is responsible for the design and prototyping of the helical undulator itself, which is a short period device with a small aperture, and also leads development of the start to end simulations of the polarised particles to ensure that high levels of polarization are maintained from the sources, through the beam transport systems and up to the interaction point(s). Members of the collaboration are also involved in the EUROTeV-funded research programme to produce a design for a pair-production target which can operate reliably in the high photon flux of the undulator. This paper will provide an update on the work of the collaboration, focusing on the design, construction and testing of components of the polarized positron source, and will also discuss future plans. © 2007 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]