Data Exchange API Developer

The Data Exchange (DEx) project is moving into private Beta and building on the prototypes developed during Alpha. DEx will use application programme interfaces (APIs) to automate the flow of data from data provider systems into the department, without the need for unnecessary manual intervention.

The API developer will work with volunteer schools and management information system (MIS) suppliers, to develop and test the API technology prior to the formal build of the API platform, developer and data provider hubs.

Additional information: Data Exchange aims to provide modern, flexible ways of moving data that deliver workable solutions for both DfE and system suppliers, whilst also helping to reduce the human effort associated with validating and moving data.

Development is based on an Agile delivery methodology. This allows the project to build, test and iterate the solution based on user needs.

During the Alpha phase the project built prototypes:

• developer hub - where MIS suppliers can register their applications to work with our APIs • data provider hub - where schools can authenticate those applications to provide authoritative data on their behalf and see what data has been provided to the department • mock APIs - to validate and send school census data to the department

In preparation for moving to private Beta in April 2018, these prototypes will need to be tested with a small selection of volunteer schools and MIS suppliers, to ensure the API technology can work.

To maximise the benefits of this work, the supplier will need to be familiar with data collections, API technology and the work the project has completed during the Alpha phase. Given the short timeframe (Jan 2018 to Mar 2018) to deliver, the project has chosen to use a single sourcing route through an established compliant procurement framework for this work.