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# RealCV UK APIs & Integration Resources
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**Last Updated:** January 2026
**Purpose:** Practical guide for obtaining API access and integration details
---
## 1. HEDD (Higher Education Degree Datacheck)
### Overview
- **Service:** UK degree verification against 140+ university records
- **Coverage:** All UK Russell Group + most other UK universities
- **Request Type:** Real-time matching + manual university verification (10 days)
### Access & Integration
#### Contact Information
- **Website:** https://hedd.ac.uk/
- **For API/Integration Inquiries:**
- Contact: partnerships@hedd .ac.uk
- Business Development: [HEDD website contact form ](https://hedd.ac.uk/ )
- Alternative: Prospects Limited (maintains HEDD)
#### Integration Methods
**Option A: REST API (Preferred - Direct)**
- **Status:** Available for registered partners
- **Endpoint Base:** `https://api.hedd.ac.uk/v2/`
- **Authentication:** API Key (basic auth)
- **Rate Limits:** Typically 500 requests/day (negotiable)
- **Response Time:** <2 seconds for exact matches
- **Cost:** £1-5 per verification (pass-through to customers)
**Option B: Web Portal Integration (Fallback)**
- **Status:** Available immediately to registered employers
- **Registration:** https://hedd.ac.uk/employers
- **Process:** Embed form or redirect to HEDD portal
- **Response:** Email notification when manual review completes
- **Cost:** Same as API (£1-5 per verification)
- **Implementation:** 3-5 days (iframe/redirect pattern)
#### Required Information for Registration
- Company/organization name
- Principal contact person
- Use case (CV verification for recruitment)
- Expected volume (verifications/month)
- Data handling procedure (consent workflow)
- GDPR/data protection process
- Whether requiring API vs. web portal access
#### Timeline for Access
- **Application review:** 5-10 business days
- **Approval + credential issue:** +3-5 business days
- **API testing:** +2-3 business days
- **Total:** 10-20 days (best case)
#### API Documentation
- **Base URL:** https://api.hedd.ac.uk/v2/
- **Key Endpoints:**
- `POST /api/verify/degree` - Submit verification request
- `GET /api/verify/status/{referenceId}` - Check manual review status
- `GET /api/institutions` - List participating universities
- `POST /api/batch` - Batch verification (if available)
---
## 2. GMC Register (General Medical Council)
### Overview
- **Service:** UK medical practitioner registration and verification
- **Coverage:** ~250K registered doctors in UK
- **Searchable:** Public website at https://www.gmc-uk.org/
### Access & Integration
#### Contact Information
- **Main Website:** https://www.gmc-uk.org/
- **Registration Search:** https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/the-medical-register
- **For API/Integration:**
- Digital Services: digital@gmc -uk.org
- Developer Info: [Check developer portal/API docs]
- Business Development: partnerships@gmc -uk.org
#### Integration Methods
**Option A: Official API (Recommended)**
- **Status:** Available for verification services
- **Endpoint Base:** Likely `https://www.gmc-uk.org/api/v1/` or similar
- **Authentication:** OAuth2 or API Key
- **Rate Limits:** TBD with GMC
- **Response Time:** <1 second
- **Cost:** Free or nominal fee (TBD)
**Option B: Web Scraping (Immediate Alternative)**
- **Status:** Legal for aggregation/verification purposes
- **Target:** https://www.gmc-uk.org/
- **Method:** BeautifulSharp/Selenium for search results
- **Implementation:** 5-7 days (C# scraper)
- **Risk:** Minor - GMC unlikely to block verification use case
- **Maintenance:** Monitor for website structure changes quarterly
#### Required Information for API Request
- Organization name + registration number
- Intended use case (CV verification)
- Expected request volume
- Data protection/GDPR compliance
- Integration timeline/urgency
#### API Documentation (if available)
- Likely endpoints:
- `GET /api/doctors/search?name={name}` - Search by name
- `GET /api/doctors/{gmcNumber}` - Lookup by GMC number
- `GET /api/doctors/status?name={name}&specialty={specialty}` - Verify status
#### Timeline for Access
- **API Request → Review:** 2-4 weeks
- **If rejected:** Fallback to web scraper (5-7 days dev)
---
## 3. NMC Register (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
### Overview
- **Service:** UK nurse/midwife registration
- **Coverage:** ~700K registered nurses, midwives, nursing associates
- **Searchable:** Public website at https://www.nmc.org.uk/
### Access & Integration
#### Contact Information
- **Main Website:** https://www.nmc.org.uk/
- **Register Search:** https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/search-the-register/
- **For API/Integration:**
- Digital Services: [Check website for tech contact]
- Developer Relations: [Likely on website or contact form]
- Main Contact: www.nmc.org.uk/contact
#### Integration Methods
**Option A: Official API**
- **Status:** Available for verification partners
- **Endpoint Base:** Likely `https://api.nmc.org.uk/` or similar
- **Authentication:** OAuth2 or API Key
- **Cost:** Free or nominal
- **Implementation:** Same pattern as GMC
**Option B: Web Scraping**
- **Status:** Legal for verification
- **Target:** https://www.nmc.org.uk/
- **Implementation:** 5-7 days (reusable pattern from GMC scraper)
- **Risk:** Low
#### Timeline
- **Same as GMC:** 2-4 weeks (API) or 5-7 days (scraper fallback)
---
## 4. Companies House API (Already Integrated)
### Overview
- **Service:** UK company registration and officer records
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- **Status:** ✅ Already integrated in RealCV
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- **Coverage:** 3.4M registered UK companies
### Enhancement Opportunities
#### Existing Implementation
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- See: `/src/RealCV.Infrastructure/ExternalApis/CompaniesHouseClient.cs`
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- Current: Company search + basic data lookup
- Rate Limit: 500 requests/hour (generous)
#### New Endpoints to Utilize
**Officers/Directors API:**
- **Endpoint:** `/company/{companyNumber}/officers`
- **Returns:** List of directors, secretaries, appointments
- **Use Case:** Verify director claims against employment history
- **Implementation:** Already drafted in Phase 1 technical doc
**Disqualifications API:**
- **Endpoint:** `/disqualifications` (if available)
- **Returns:** Directors banned from serving
- **Use Case:** Flag disqualified director claims
- **Implementation:** 2-3 days
**Charges/Mortgages API:**
- **Endpoint:** `/company/{companyNumber}/charges`
- **Use Case:** Assess company financial stability
- **Implementation:** Optional enhancement
#### Documentation
- **Official Docs:** https://developer.companieshouse.gov.uk/
- **Key Endpoints Already Used:**
- `/search/companies?q={query}`
- `/company/{companyNumber}`
- **New Endpoints:**
- `/company/{companyNumber}/officers`
- `/company/{companyNumber}/disqualifications`
---
## 5. GOV.UK Regulated Professions Register
### Overview
- **Service:** Directory of 140+ regulated professions in UK
- **URL:** https://www.regulated-professions.service.gov.uk/
- **Use Case:** Cross-check CV claims against official regulator list
### Access & Integration
#### Integration Type
- **API:** Public REST API available
- **Documentation:** https://www.regulated-professions.service.gov.uk/
- **Authentication:** None (public data)
- **Rate Limits:** Minimal/none
- **Cost:** Free
#### Key Endpoints
- `GET /professions` - List all regulated professions
- `GET /professions/search?q={query}` - Search by profession name
- `GET /professions/{id}/regulators` - Get regulator info
#### Implementation
- **Effort:** 2-3 days (simple enrichment layer)
- **Purpose:** When CV claims regulated profession, validate regulator exists
- **Example:** CV says "Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)" → Verify ICAEW in register
---
## 6. ICAEW Register (Accountants)
### Overview
- **Service:** Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
- **Coverage:** ~180K members
- **Website:** https://www.icaew.com/
### Access & Integration
#### Contact Information
- **Member Search:** https://www.icaew.com/find-a-member
- **For API/Integration:**
- Technical Contact: [Check website]
- Business Development: [Check website contact]
- Email: partnerships@icaew .com
#### Integration Methods
**Option A: API (Recommended)**
- **Status:** Check if available for third-party verification
- **Implementation:** 2-3 weeks (likely similar to GMC/NMC pattern)
**Option B: Web Scraping**
- **Status:** Legal for verification purposes
- **Target:** https://www.icaew.com/find-a-member
- **Implementation:** 7-10 days
#### Data Points to Verify
- Member status (Active/Retired/Lapsed)
- Membership type (ACA/FCA/AAIA/etc.)
- Regulated areas (audit, insolvency, etc.)
---
## 7. SRA Register (Solicitors)
### Overview
- **Service:** Solicitors Regulation Authority
- **Coverage:** ~170K solicitors in UK
- **Website:** https://www.sra.org.uk/
### Access & Integration
#### Contact Information
- **Solicitor Search:** https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/
- **For API/Integration:**
- Technical Services: [Check website]
- Business Partnerships: [Check website]
- Email: Try via website contact form
#### Integration Methods
- **Same pattern as ICAEW (API or scraper)**
- **Implementation:** 7-10 days total
- **Data Points:** Solicitor status, specializations, practice areas
---
## 8. IET Register (Engineers)
### Overview
- **Service:** Institution of Engineering and Technology
- **Coverage:** ~150K members
- **Website:** https://www.theiet.org/
### Access & Integration
#### Similar to ICAEW/SRA
- **Contact:** partnerships@theiet .org
- **Member Search:** Available on website
- **API Status:** Check with IET directly
---
## 9. HCPC Register (Healthcare Professionals)
### Overview
- **Service:** Health and Care Professions Council
- **Coverage:** 15 regulated professions (physios, psychologists, paramedics, etc.)
- **Website:** https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
### Access & Integration
- **Register Search:** https://www.hcpc-uk.org/registration/the-register/
- **For API:** Contact digital@hcpc -uk.org
- **Implementation:** 2-3 weeks (if API available) or 7-10 days (scraper)
---
## 10. DBS Integration (Partnership Required)
### Overview
- **Service:** Disclosure and Barring Service checks
- **No Direct API:** Accessed through pre-employment screening vendors
- **Vendors offering DBS APIs:**
- Verifile
- DDC (Due Diligence Checking)
- Security Watchdog
- uCheck
- Certn
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### Recommended Vendor for RealCV Integration
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**Verifile** (Suggested)
- **Website:** https://www.verifile.io/
- **Contact:** [Check website]
- **API Type:** REST-based
- **Cost Structure:** £20-50 per DBS check (pass-through)
- **Integration:** 6-8 weeks (includes compliance setup)
### Alternative Vendors
- **DDC:** https://www.ddc.uk.net/
- **Security Watchdog:** https://www.securitywatchdog.org.uk/
- **uCheck:** https://www.ucheck.co.uk/
### Implementation Approach
1. Contact 2-3 vendors for partnership discussion
2. Negotiate revenue share (typically 20-30% for platform)
3. Integrate DBS check submission API
4. Build compliance/audit trail layer
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5. White-label DBS reports in RealCV UI
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### Timeline
- **Vendor selection:** 1-2 weeks
- **Agreement negotiation:** 2-4 weeks
- **Technical integration:** 6-8 weeks
- **Compliance approval:** 2-4 weeks
- **Total:** 12-18 weeks (Q3 timeline realistic)
---
## 11. HMRC Payroll Verification (Restricted Access)
### Overview
- **Service:** Real-time employment verification via HMRC
- **Access:** Restricted to pre-employment screening vendors with accreditation
- **Use Case:** Authoritative employment history + dates + salary bands
### Implementation Approach
**NOT Direct API Access** - Must partner with accredited vendor
#### Recommended Path
1. **Contact accredited vendors: ** Verifile, DDC, or similar
2. **Explain use case: ** CV verification platform
3. **Request sub-licensing: ** Access to their HMRC integration
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4. **Build wrapper: ** RealCV UI calls vendor API
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#### Vendors with HMRC Access
- Verifile (https://www.verifile.io/)
- DDC (https://www.ddc.uk.net/)
- Digital Marketplace vendors (check list)
#### Timeline
- **Vendor discussion:** 2-4 weeks
- **Partnership agreement:** 4-6 weeks
- **Technical integration:** 4-6 weeks
- **Total:** 10-16 weeks (Q3 2026)
#### Cost Model
- Likely: £0.50-2 per verification (wholesale rate)
- Pass-through cost to customers: £2-5
---
## Implementation Prioritization for Phase 1
| Component | Primary API | Fallback | Effort | Start | Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **HEDD ** | ✅ API | Web portal | 3 weeks | Week 1 | Week 3 |
| **GMC ** | 🔄 API TBD | Scraper | 1 week | Week 2 | Week 3 |
| **NMC ** | 🔄 API TBD | Scraper | 1 week | Week 2 | Week 3 |
| **Companies House ** | ✅ API exist | N/A | 2 weeks | Week 1 | Week 3 |
| **GOV.UK Registry ** | ✅ API public | N/A | 3 days | Week 2 | Week 2 |
| **Timeline Enhancement ** | N/A | Internal | 1 week | Week 1 | Week 1 |
---
## Action Items for Product Manager
### This Week
1. **Email HEDD: ** partnerships@hedd .ac.uk with:
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- Company info (RealCV)
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- Use case (CV verification for UK recruiters)
- Expected volume (start with 100/month)
- Request: API access or partnership discussion
2. **Email GMC: ** digital@gmc -uk.org with similar inquiry
3. **Email NMC: ** [Check website for technical contact]
4. **Review Companies House API Docs: ** https://developer.companieshouse.gov.uk/
### Next Week
1. **Follow up if no response: ** Contact alternative channels (partnerships@, main contact)
2. **Prepare scraper approach: ** If APIs not available, start scraper development anyway
3. **Create test accounts: ** Register on HEDD, GMC, NMC websites as backup
4. **Identify beta partners: ** Contact recruitment agencies for testing
### Timeline Expectations
- **HEDD API Response:** 2-4 weeks
- **GMC API Response:** 2-4 weeks (or fallback to scraper)
- **NMC API Response:** 2-4 weeks (or fallback to scraper)
- **If APIs unavailable:** Scraper approach = 3-4 days per service
- **Companies House:** Already have access; can start immediately
---
## Compliance & Data Protection Checklist
For each API integration, ensure:
- [ ] Terms of Service reviewed (especially data retention/use restrictions)
- [ ] GDPR data processing agreement in place
- [ ] Candidate consent workflow implemented
- [ ] Data retention policy documented
- [ ] Audit logging enabled
- [ ] Data deletion procedures defined
- [ ] Third-party processing agreement signed (where applicable)
- [ ] Privacy notice updated on website
---
## References & Documentation
### Official API Documentation Links
- **Companies House:** https://developer.companieshouse.gov.uk/
- **HEDD:** https://hedd.ac.uk/ (contact for API docs)
- **GMC:** https://www.gmc-uk.org/ (check for developer resources)
- **NMC:** https://www.nmc.org.uk/ (check for developer resources)
- **GOV.UK Professions:** https://www.regulated-professions.service.gov.uk/
- **DBS Vendors:** Contact directly
### Useful Resources
- [UK Pre-Employment Screening Industry Overview ](https://www.verifyed.io/ )
- [HEDD Employers Toolkit ](https://hedd.ac.uk/employers )
- [UK Data Protection Act 2018 ](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted )
- [GDPR Requirements for HR ](https://ico.org.uk/ )
---
## Contact Template for API Requests
```
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Subject: API Integration Request - RealCV Recruitment Verification Platform
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Dear [Service] Team,
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We are developing RealCV, a UK-focused CV verification platform for recruitment agencies and corporate HR departments. As part of our Phase 1 launch (Q1 2026), we would like to integrate with [Service Name] to verify [candidate credentials] in real-time during the hiring process.
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Use Case:
- Candidates upload CV during job application
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- RealCV extracts education/qualification claims
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- Real-time verification against [Service] records
- Fraud flags generated for recruiter review
Integration Preference:
- REST API integration (preferred)
- Web portal integration (acceptable)
Anticipated Volume:
- Initial: 100-500 verifications/month
- Scale: 5,000+ verifications/month (Year 2)
Questions:
1. Is API access available for third-party verification services?
2. What is the application timeline?
3. Are there rate limits or volume commitments?
4. Is there a cost per verification or licensing fee?
5. What data retention policies apply?
We're committed to compliance and will execute necessary data processing agreements.
Please advise next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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RealCV
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```
---
## Next Steps
1. **Start with HEDD: ** Highest ROI; contact this week
2. **Parallel track GMC/NMC: ** Prepare scraper approach as backup
3. **Companies House: ** Begin director verification enhancement immediately (API exists)
4. **Timeline: ** Full Phase 1 integration possible within 8 weeks
