RealCV/PHASE1_TECHNICAL_IMPLEMENTATION.md

Phase 1 Technical Implementation Guide (Q1 2026)

Timeline: 8 weeks Target: 4 high-impact features live in production

---

Feature 1: HEDD Degree Verification Integration

Overview

Real-time integration with HEDD (Higher Education Degree Datacheck) to verify UK degrees against 140+ university records.

Current Baseline: TrueCV parses education entries from CV using Claude AI Gap: No verification against actual university records Value: Eliminates 90%+ of fake degree claims

Architecture

CVParserService (existing)
    ↓ extracts education data
EducationVerificationService (NEW)
    ├── IEducationVerifierService interface
    ├── HeddClient (web integration)
    ├── HeddConsentManager (workflow)
    └── EducationFlag generation
    ↓
CVCheck (database) + new EducationVerification flags
    ↓
Report & UI

Phase 1a: Create Infrastructure (Days 1-5)

File 1: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Configuration/HeddSettings.cs

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.Configuration;

public class HeddSettings
{
    public required string BaseUrl { get; set; }
    public required string ApiKey { get; set; }  // Registration credentials
    public int TimeoutSeconds { get; set; } = 30;
    public bool RequireConsentAcknowledgment { get; set; } = true;
}

File 2: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/ExternalApis/HeddClient.cs

using System.Net.Http.Json;
using System.Text;
using System.Text.Json;
using System.Text.Json.Serialization;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.Configuration;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;

public sealed class HeddClient
{
    private readonly HttpClient _httpClient;
    private readonly ILogger<HeddClient> _logger;
    private readonly HeddSettings _settings;

    private static readonly JsonSerializerOptions JsonOptions = new()
    {
        PropertyNamingPolicy = JsonNamingPolicy.CamelCase,
        PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true,
        DefaultIgnoreCondition = JsonIgnoreCondition.WhenWritingNull
    };

    public HeddClient(
        HttpClient httpClient,
        IOptions<HeddSettings> settings,
        ILogger<HeddClient> logger)
    {
        _httpClient = httpClient;
        _logger = logger;
        _settings = settings.Value;
        _httpClient.BaseAddress = new Uri(_settings.BaseUrl);
        _httpClient.Timeout = TimeSpan.FromSeconds(_settings.TimeoutSeconds);
    }

    public async Task<HeddVerificationResponse?> VerifyDegreeAsync(
        HeddVerificationRequest request,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        ArgumentNullException.ThrowIfNull(request);

        _logger.LogDebug(
            "Submitting degree verification to HEDD for {CandidateName} from {Institution}",
            request.CandidateName, request.Institution);

        try
        {
            var content = new StringContent(
                JsonSerializer.Serialize(request, JsonOptions),
                Encoding.UTF8,
                "application/json");

            var response = await _httpClient.PostAsync(
                "/api/verify/degree",
                content,
                cancellationToken);

            if (!response.IsSuccessStatusCode)
            {
                _logger.LogWarning(
                    "HEDD verification failed with status {StatusCode}",
                    response.StatusCode);
                return null;
            }

            var result = await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<HeddVerificationResponse>(
                JsonOptions,
                cancellationToken);

            _logger.LogInformation(
                "HEDD verification completed: {Status}",
                result?.VerificationStatus ?? "Unknown");

            return result;
        }
        catch (HttpRequestException ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "HEDD API request failed");
            throw;
        }
    }

    public async Task<HeddManualVerificationStatus?> CheckManualVerificationStatusAsync(
        string referenceId,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        _logger.LogDebug("Checking HEDD manual verification status: {ReferenceId}", referenceId);

        try
        {
            var response = await _httpClient.GetAsync(
                $"/api/verify/status/{referenceId}",
                cancellationToken);

            if (!response.IsSuccessStatusCode)
            {
                _logger.LogWarning(
                    "Failed to check verification status {ReferenceId}",
                    referenceId);
                return null;
            }

            var result = await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<HeddManualVerificationStatus>(
                JsonOptions,
                cancellationToken);

            return result;
        }
        catch (HttpRequestException ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Failed to check HEDD status for {ReferenceId}", referenceId);
            throw;
        }
    }
}

// Request/Response DTOs
public sealed record HeddVerificationRequest
{
    [JsonPropertyName("candidateName")]
    public required string CandidateName { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("dateOfBirth")]
    public required string DateOfBirth { get; init; } // YYYY-MM-DD

    [JsonPropertyName("institution")]
    public required string Institution { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("qualificationLevel")]
    public required string QualificationLevel { get; init; } // "Bachelor's", "Master's", "PhD"

    [JsonPropertyName("subject")]
    public string? Subject { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("classificationOrGrade")]
    public string? ClassificationOrGrade { get; init; } // "First", "Upper Second", "2:1", etc.

    [JsonPropertyName("graduationYear")]
    public required string GraduationYear { get; init; } // YYYY

    [JsonPropertyName("consentAcknowledgment")]
    public required bool ConsentAcknowledgment { get; init; }
}

public sealed record HeddVerificationResponse
{
    [JsonPropertyName("referenceId")]
    public required string ReferenceId { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("verificationStatus")]
    public required string VerificationStatus { get; init; } // "Verified", "Manual", "Unverified"

    [JsonPropertyName("institutionMatch")]
    public bool? InstitutionMatch { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("qualificationMatch")]
    public bool? QualificationMatch { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("graduationYearMatch")]
    public bool? GraduationYearMatch { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("classificationMatch")]
    public bool? ClassificationMatch { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("verifiedInstitution")]
    public string? VerifiedInstitution { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("verifiedQualification")]
    public string? VerifiedQualification { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("notes")]
    public string? Notes { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("estimatedManualReviewDate")]
    public DateTime? EstimatedManualReviewDate { get; init; }
}

public sealed record HeddManualVerificationStatus
{
    [JsonPropertyName("referenceId")]
    public required string ReferenceId { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("status")]
    public required string Status { get; init; } // "Pending", "Verified", "UnableToVerify"

    [JsonPropertyName("resolvedAt")]
    public DateTime? ResolvedAt { get; init; }

    [JsonPropertyName("verificationDetails")]
    public string? VerificationDetails { get; init; }
}

File 3: src/TrueCV.Application/Interfaces/IEducationVerifierService.cs

using TrueCV.Application.Models;

namespace TrueCV.Application.Interfaces;

public interface IEducationVerifierService
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Verify education entry against HEDD database
    /// </summary>
    Task<EducationVerificationResult> VerifyEducationEntryAsync(
        string fullName,
        DateOnly dateOfBirth,
        string institution,
        string qualification,
        string? subject,
        string? grade,
        DateOnly graduationDate,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default);

    /// <summary>
    /// Check status of manual verification (for entries not instantly matched)
    /// </summary>
    Task<EducationManualVerificationStatus?> CheckVerificationStatusAsync(
        string referenceId,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default);
}

File 4: src/TrueCV.Application/Models/EducationVerificationResult.cs

namespace TrueCV.Application.Models;

public sealed record EducationVerificationResult
{
    /// <summary>
    /// HEDD reference ID for tracking/follow-up
    /// </summary>
    public required string ReferenceId { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// Overall verification result
    /// </summary>
    public required VerificationStatus Status { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// Field-level verification results
    /// </summary>
    public required EducationFieldMatches FieldMatches { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// Verified information returned from HEDD
    /// </summary>
    public EducationVerifiedData? VerifiedData { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// If manual verification required, estimated completion date
    /// </summary>
    public DateTime? ManualReviewEstimatedDate { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// Additional notes from verification process
    /// </summary>
    public string? Notes { get; init; }

    /// <summary>
    /// Confidence score (0-100) for the verification
    /// </summary>
    public int ConfidenceScore { get; init; }
}

public enum VerificationStatus
{
    /// <summary>
    /// All fields matched exactly against university records
    /// </summary>
    Verified,

    /// <summary>
    /// Submitted for manual university verification (10 working days)
    /// </summary>
    PendingManualReview,

    /// <summary>
    /// Could not be verified or manual review failed
    /// </summary>
    Unverified
}

public sealed record EducationFieldMatches
{
    public bool? InstitutionMatched { get; init; }
    public bool? QualificationMatched { get; init; }
    public bool? GraduationYearMatched { get; init; }
    public bool? GradeMatched { get; init; }
    public bool? SubjectMatched { get; init; }
}

public sealed record EducationVerifiedData
{
    public string? VerifiedInstitution { get; init; }
    public string? VerifiedQualification { get; init; }
    public int? VerifiedGraduationYear { get; init; }
    public string? VerifiedGrade { get; init; }
    public string? VerifiedSubject { get; init; }
}

public sealed record EducationManualVerificationStatus
{
    public required string ReferenceId { get; init; }
    public required ManualVerificationStatus Status { get; init; }
    public DateTime? CompletedAt { get; init; }
    public string? Details { get; init; }
}

public enum ManualVerificationStatus
{
    Pending,
    Verified,
    UnableToVerify
}

Phase 1b: Implement Service Layer (Days 6-10)

File 5: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Services/EducationVerifierService.cs

using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using TrueCV.Application.Interfaces;
using TrueCV.Application.Models;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.Services;

public sealed class EducationVerifierService : IEducationVerifierService
{
    private readonly HeddClient _heddClient;
    private readonly ILogger<EducationVerifierService> _logger;

    public EducationVerifierService(
        HeddClient heddClient,
        ILogger<EducationVerifierService> logger)
    {
        _heddClient = heddClient;
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task<EducationVerificationResult> VerifyEducationEntryAsync(
        string fullName,
        DateOnly dateOfBirth,
        string institution,
        string qualification,
        string? subject,
        string? grade,
        DateOnly graduationDate,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(fullName);
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(institution);
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(qualification);

        _logger.LogDebug(
            "Verifying education for {FullName}: {Institution} - {Qualification}",
            fullName, institution, qualification);

        var request = new HeddVerificationRequest
        {
            CandidateName = fullName,
            DateOfBirth = dateOfBirth.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"),
            Institution = institution,
            QualificationLevel = NormalizeQualification(qualification),
            Subject = subject,
            ClassificationOrGrade = grade,
            GraduationYear = graduationDate.Year.ToString(),
            ConsentAcknowledgment = true
        };

        try
        {
            var response = await _heddClient.VerifyDegreeAsync(request, cancellationToken);

            if (response is null)
            {
                _logger.LogWarning(
                    "HEDD verification returned null for {FullName}",
                    fullName);
                return CreateUnverifiedResult();
            }

            return MapToEducationVerificationResult(response);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error during education verification for {FullName}", fullName);
            throw;
        }
    }

    public async Task<EducationManualVerificationStatus?> CheckVerificationStatusAsync(
        string referenceId,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(referenceId);

        _logger.LogDebug("Checking verification status for reference: {ReferenceId}", referenceId);

        try
        {
            var status = await _heddClient.CheckManualVerificationStatusAsync(
                referenceId,
                cancellationToken);

            if (status is null)
            {
                return null;
            }

            return new EducationManualVerificationStatus
            {
                ReferenceId = status.ReferenceId,
                Status = status.Status switch
                {
                    "Verified" => ManualVerificationStatus.Verified,
                    "UnableToVerify" => ManualVerificationStatus.UnableToVerify,
                    _ => ManualVerificationStatus.Pending
                },
                CompletedAt = status.ResolvedAt,
                Details = status.VerificationDetails
            };
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error checking verification status for {ReferenceId}", referenceId);
            throw;
        }
    }

    private static EducationVerificationResult MapToEducationVerificationResult(
        HeddVerificationResponse response)
    {
        var status = response.VerificationStatus switch
        {
            "Verified" => VerificationStatus.Verified,
            "Manual" => VerificationStatus.PendingManualReview,
            _ => VerificationStatus.Unverified
        };

        var confidenceScore = CalculateConfidenceScore(response);

        return new EducationVerificationResult
        {
            ReferenceId = response.ReferenceId,
            Status = status,
            FieldMatches = new EducationFieldMatches
            {
                InstitutionMatched = response.InstitutionMatch,
                QualificationMatched = response.QualificationMatch,
                GraduationYearMatched = response.GraduationYearMatch,
                GradeMatched = response.ClassificationMatch
            },
            VerifiedData = new EducationVerifiedData
            {
                VerifiedInstitution = response.VerifiedInstitution,
                VerifiedQualification = response.VerifiedQualification,
                VerifiedGraduationYear = int.TryParse(response.VerifiedInstitution, out var year) ? year : null,
                VerifiedGrade = response.Notes
            },
            ManualReviewEstimatedDate = response.EstimatedManualReviewDate,
            Notes = response.Notes,
            ConfidenceScore = confidenceScore
        };
    }

    private static int CalculateConfidenceScore(HeddVerificationResponse response)
    {
        return response.VerificationStatus switch
        {
            "Verified" => 100,
            "Manual" => 50,
            _ => 0
        };
    }

    private static string NormalizeQualification(string qualification)
    {
        return qualification.ToLowerInvariant() switch
        {
            var q when q.Contains("bachelor") => "Bachelor's",
            var q when q.Contains("master") => "Master's",
            var q when q.Contains("phd") || q.Contains("doctorate") => "PhD",
            var q when q.Contains("hnd") => "HND",
            var q when q.Contains("diploma") => "Diploma",
            _ => qualification
        };
    }

    private static EducationVerificationResult CreateUnverifiedResult()
    {
        return new EducationVerificationResult
        {
            ReferenceId = Guid.NewGuid().ToString(),
            Status = VerificationStatus.Unverified,
            FieldMatches = new EducationFieldMatches(),
            ConfidenceScore = 0,
            Notes = "Unable to contact verification service"
        };
    }
}

Phase 1c: Database & Flag Integration (Days 11-12)

Update: src/TrueCV.Domain/Enums/FlagCategory.cs

namespace TrueCV.Domain.Enums;

public enum FlagCategory
{
    Employment,
    Education,
    Timeline,
    Plausibility,
    EducationVerification,      // NEW
    DirectorshipVerification,   // NEW (for Phase 1d)
    HealthcareRegistration      // NEW (for Phase 1e)
}

New File: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Services/EducationFlagGenerator.cs

using TrueCV.Application.Models;
using TrueCV.Domain.Entities;
using TrueCV.Domain.Enums;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.Services;

public sealed class EducationFlagGenerator
{
    public static CVFlag? GenerateEducationVerificationFlag(
        EducationVerificationResult verificationResult,
        EducationEntry claimedEducation)
    {
        // Verified = no flag
        if (verificationResult.Status == VerificationStatus.Verified)
        {
            return null;
        }

        // Unverified = high severity flag
        if (verificationResult.Status == VerificationStatus.Unverified)
        {
            return new CVFlag
            {
                Category = FlagCategory.EducationVerification,
                Severity = FlagSeverity.High,
                Title = "Degree Verification Failed",
                Description = $"Could not verify degree from {claimedEducation.Institution} " +
                    $"({claimedEducation.Qualification}). " +
                    $"Reference: {verificationResult.ReferenceId}",
                ScoreImpact = -40
            };
        }

        // PendingManualReview = medium severity flag (temporary)
        if (verificationResult.Status == VerificationStatus.PendingManualReview)
        {
            var reviewDate = verificationResult.ManualReviewEstimatedDate?
                .ToString("dd MMM yyyy") ?? "soon";

            return new CVFlag
            {
                Category = FlagCategory.EducationVerification,
                Severity = FlagSeverity.Medium,
                Title = "Degree Under Manual Review",
                Description = $"Degree from {claimedEducation.Institution} submitted for " +
                    $"manual university verification. Expected completion: {reviewDate}. " +
                    $"Reference: {verificationResult.ReferenceId}",
                ScoreImpact = -15
            };
        }

        return null;
    }

    public static CVFlag? GenerateFieldMismatchFlag(
        EducationFieldMatches matches,
        EducationEntry claimed)
    {
        // Check for specific field mismatches
        if (matches.InstitutionMatched == false)
        {
            return new CVFlag
            {
                Category = FlagCategory.EducationVerification,
                Severity = FlagSeverity.High,
                Title = "Institution Name Mismatch",
                Description = $"Claimed institution '{claimed.Institution}' does not match " +
                    "verified university records. Verify exact institution name.",
                ScoreImpact = -35
            };
        }

        if (matches.GraduationYearMatched == false)
        {
            return new CVFlag
            {
                Category = FlagCategory.EducationVerification,
                Severity = FlagSeverity.High,
                Title = "Graduation Date Mismatch",
                Description = $"Claimed graduation year ({claimed.EndDate?.Year}) does not match " +
                    "verified university records.",
                ScoreImpact = -30
            };
        }

        if (matches.QualificationMatched == false)
        {
            return new CVFlag
            {
                Category = FlagCategory.EducationVerification,
                Severity = FlagSeverity.Medium,
                Title = "Qualification Mismatch",
                Description = $"Claimed qualification '{claimed.Qualification}' does not match " +
                    "verified university records.",
                ScoreImpact = -25
            };
        }

        return null;
    }
}

Phase 1d: Companies House Enhancement - Director Verification

File: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/ExternalApis/CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient.cs

using System.Net.Http.Json;
using System.Text.Json;
using System.Text.Json.Serialization;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;

public sealed class CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient
{
    private readonly HttpClient _httpClient;
    private readonly ILogger<CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient> _logger;

    private static readonly JsonSerializerOptions JsonOptions = new()
    {
        PropertyNamingPolicy = JsonNamingPolicy.SnakeCaseLower,
        PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true
    };

    public CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient(
        HttpClient httpClient,
        ILogger<CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient> logger)
    {
        _httpClient = httpClient;
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task<List<DirectorAppointment>?> GetDirectorAppointmentsAsync(
        string companyNumber,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(companyNumber);

        _logger.LogDebug("Fetching director appointments for company: {CompanyNumber}", companyNumber);

        try
        {
            var requestUrl = $"/company/{companyNumber}/officers";
            var response = await _httpClient.GetAsync(requestUrl, cancellationToken);

            if (!response.IsSuccessStatusCode)
            {
                _logger.LogWarning(
                    "Failed to fetch officers for {CompanyNumber}: {StatusCode}",
                    companyNumber, response.StatusCode);
                return null;
            }

            var result = await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<OfficersResponse>(
                JsonOptions,
                cancellationToken);

            return result?.Items?
                .Where(o => o.OfficerRole == "Director" || o.OfficerRole == "Secretary")
                .Select(o => new DirectorAppointment
                {
                    OfficerId = o.Id,
                    OfficerName = o.Name,
                    OfficerRole = o.OfficerRole,
                    AppointmentDate = ParseDate(o.AppointedOn),
                    ResignationDate = ParseDate(o.ResignedOn),
                    IsActive = o.ResignedOn == null
                })
                .ToList() ?? [];
        }
        catch (HttpRequestException ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error fetching officers for {CompanyNumber}", companyNumber);
            throw;
        }
    }

    private static DateOnly? ParseDate(string? dateString)
    {
        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(dateString) ||
            !DateOnly.TryParse(dateString, out var date))
        {
            return null;
        }
        return date;
    }
}

public sealed record DirectorAppointment
{
    public required string OfficerId { get; init; }
    public required string OfficerName { get; init; }
    public required string OfficerRole { get; init; }
    public required DateOnly AppointmentDate { get; init; }
    public DateOnly? ResignationDate { get; init; }
    public bool IsActive { get; init; }
}

// Companies House API Response DTOs
public sealed record OfficersResponse
{
    public List<Officer>? Items { get; init; }
}

public sealed record Officer
{
    public required string Id { get; init; }
    public required string Name { get; init; }
    public required string OfficerRole { get; init; }
    public string? AppointedOn { get; init; }
    public string? ResignedOn { get; init; }
}

File: src/TrueCV.Application/Interfaces/IDirectorshipVerifierService.cs

namespace TrueCV.Application.Interfaces;

public interface IDirectorshipVerifierService
{
    Task<DirectorshipVerificationResult> VerifyDirectorshipAsync(
        string candidateName,
        string companyName,
        DateOnly claimedStartDate,
        DateOnly? claimedEndDate,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default);
}

public sealed record DirectorshipVerificationResult
{
    public required bool IsVerified { get; init; }
    public required string ClaimedCompany { get; init; }
    public required string ClaimedRole { get; init; }
    public required DateOnly ClaimedStartDate { get; init; }
    public DateOnly? ClaimedEndDate { get; init; }
    public string? VerifiedOfficerName { get; init; }
    public string? VerifiedRole { get; init; }
    public DateOnly? VerifiedAppointmentDate { get; init; }
    public DateOnly? VerifiedResignationDate { get; init; }
    public string? Notes { get; init; }
    public int ConfidenceScore { get; init; }
}

File: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Services/DirectorshipVerifierService.cs

using FuzzySharp;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using TrueCV.Application.Interfaces;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.Services;

public sealed class DirectorshipVerifierService : IDirectorshipVerifierService
{
    private readonly CompanyVerifierService _companyVerifier;
    private readonly CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient _directorsClient;
    private readonly ILogger<DirectorshipVerifierService> _logger;

    private const int FuzzyNameThreshold = 75;

    public DirectorshipVerifierService(
        CompanyVerifierService companyVerifier,
        CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient directorsClient,
        ILogger<DirectorshipVerifierService> logger)
    {
        _companyVerifier = companyVerifier;
        _directorsClient = directorsClient;
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task<DirectorshipVerificationResult> VerifyDirectorshipAsync(
        string candidateName,
        string companyName,
        DateOnly claimedStartDate,
        DateOnly? claimedEndDate,
        CancellationToken cancellationToken = default)
    {
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(candidateName);
        ArgumentException.ThrowIfNullOrWhiteSpace(companyName);

        _logger.LogDebug(
            "Verifying directorship: {CandidateName} at {CompanyName}",
            candidateName, companyName);

        // Step 1: Verify company exists
        var companyVerification = await _companyVerifier.VerifyCompanyAsync(
            companyName,
            claimedStartDate,
            claimedEndDate);

        if (!companyVerification.IsVerified)
        {
            _logger.LogDebug(
                "Company not verified for directorship check: {CompanyName}",
                companyName);
            return CreateUnverifiedResult(
                candidateName,
                companyName,
                claimedStartDate,
                claimedEndDate,
                "Company not found in Companies House");
        }

        // Step 2: Get directors for verified company
        var appointments = await _directorsClient.GetDirectorAppointmentsAsync(
            companyVerification.MatchedCompanyNumber!,
            cancellationToken);

        if (appointments is null || appointments.Count == 0)
        {
            _logger.LogDebug(
                "No directors found for company {CompanyNumber}",
                companyVerification.MatchedCompanyNumber);
            return CreateUnverifiedResult(
                candidateName,
                companyName,
                claimedStartDate,
                claimedEndDate,
                "No director appointments found");
        }

        // Step 3: Fuzzy match candidate name against directors
        var matchedDirector = FindBestNameMatch(candidateName, appointments);

        if (matchedDirector is null)
        {
            _logger.LogDebug(
                "No name match found for {CandidateName} in {CompanyNumber}",
                candidateName, companyVerification.MatchedCompanyNumber);
            return CreateUnverifiedResult(
                candidateName,
                companyName,
                claimedStartDate,
                claimedEndDate,
                $"Name '{candidateName}' not found in director records");
        }

        // Step 4: Validate dates
        var dateValidation = ValidateDates(
            claimedStartDate,
            claimedEndDate,
            matchedDirector);

        if (!dateValidation.IsValid)
        {
            _logger.LogWarning(
                "Date mismatch for directorship: claimed {ClaimedStart}-{ClaimedEnd}, " +
                "actual {ActualStart}-{ActualEnd}",
                claimedStartDate, claimedEndDate,
                matchedDirector.AppointmentDate, matchedDirector.ResignationDate);

            return CreateDateMismatchResult(
                candidateName,
                companyName,
                claimedStartDate,
                claimedEndDate,
                matchedDirector,
                dateValidation.Reason);
        }

        // Step 5: Success - directorship verified
        _logger.LogInformation(
            "Directorship verified: {CandidateName} at {CompanyName}",
            candidateName, companyName);

        return new DirectorshipVerificationResult
        {
            IsVerified = true,
            ClaimedCompany = companyName,
            ClaimedRole = "Director",
            ClaimedStartDate = claimedStartDate,
            ClaimedEndDate = claimedEndDate,
            VerifiedOfficerName = matchedDirector.OfficerName,
            VerifiedRole = matchedDirector.OfficerRole,
            VerifiedAppointmentDate = matchedDirector.AppointmentDate,
            VerifiedResignationDate = matchedDirector.ResignationDate,
            Notes = "Directorship verified against Companies House records",
            ConfidenceScore = 100
        };
    }

    private static DirectorAppointment? FindBestNameMatch(
        string candidateName,
        List<DirectorAppointment> appointments)
    {
        var matches = appointments
            .Select(a => new
            {
                Appointment = a,
                Score = Fuzz.Ratio(
                    candidateName.ToUpperInvariant(),
                    a.OfficerName.ToUpperInvariant())
            })
            .Where(m => m.Score >= FuzzyNameThreshold)
            .OrderByDescending(m => m.Score)
            .FirstOrDefault();

        return matches?.Appointment;
    }

    private static DateValidation ValidateDates(
        DateOnly claimedStart,
        DateOnly? claimedEnd,
        DirectorAppointment actual)
    {
        // Claimed start before actual appointment
        if (claimedStart < actual.AppointmentDate)
        {
            return new DateValidation
            {
                IsValid = false,
                Reason = $"Claimed start date ({claimedStart}) " +
                    $"before actual appointment ({actual.AppointmentDate})"
            };
        }

        // Claimed end after actual resignation (if resigned)
        if (actual.ResignationDate.HasValue && claimedEnd.HasValue)
        {
            if (claimedEnd > actual.ResignationDate)
            {
                return new DateValidation
                {
                    IsValid = false,
                    Reason = $"Claimed end date ({claimedEnd}) " +
                        $"after actual resignation ({actual.ResignationDate})"
                };
            }
        }

        return new DateValidation { IsValid = true };
    }

    private static DirectorshipVerificationResult CreateUnverifiedResult(
        string candidateName,
        string companyName,
        DateOnly claimedStartDate,
        DateOnly? claimedEndDate,
        string reason)
    {
        return new DirectorshipVerificationResult
        {
            IsVerified = false,
            ClaimedCompany = companyName,
            ClaimedRole = "Director",
            ClaimedStartDate = claimedStartDate,
            ClaimedEndDate = claimedEndDate,
            Notes = reason,
            ConfidenceScore = 0
        };
    }

    private static DirectorshipVerificationResult CreateDateMismatchResult(
        string candidateName,
        string companyName,
        DateOnly claimedStartDate,
        DateOnly? claimedEndDate,
        DirectorAppointment actual,
        string reason)
    {
        return new DirectorshipVerificationResult
        {
            IsVerified = false,
            ClaimedCompany = companyName,
            ClaimedRole = "Director",
            ClaimedStartDate = claimedStartDate,
            ClaimedEndDate = claimedEndDate,
            VerifiedOfficerName = actual.OfficerName,
            VerifiedRole = actual.OfficerRole,
            VerifiedAppointmentDate = actual.AppointmentDate,
            VerifiedResignationDate = actual.ResignationDate,
            Notes = reason,
            ConfidenceScore = 30
        };
    }

    private sealed record DateValidation
    {
        public required bool IsValid { get; init; }
        public string? Reason { get; init; }
    }
}

Phase 1e: Enhanced Timeline Analysis

File: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Services/EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService.cs

using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using TrueCV.Application.Models;
using TrueCV.Domain.Entities;
using TrueCV.Domain.Enums;

namespace TrueCV.Infrastructure.Services;

public sealed class EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService
{
    private readonly ILogger<EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService> _logger;

    private const int NormalGapMonths = 3;  // UK norm
    private const int RedFlagGapMonths = 6;
    private const int SuspiciousGapMonths = 12;

    public EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService(
        ILogger<EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public List<CVFlag> AnalyzeEducationEmploymentSequence(
        List<EducationEntry> education,
        List<EmploymentEntry> employment)
    {
        var flags = new List<CVFlag>();

        foreach (var emp in employment)
        {
            // Check if employment started before education ended
            var conflictingEducation = education
                .Where(e => e.EndDate.HasValue && emp.StartDate <= e.EndDate.Value.AddMonths(1))
                .ToList();

            foreach (var edu in conflictingEducation)
            {
                var timeBetween = (emp.StartDate - edu.EndDate.Value).Days;

                if (timeBetween < 0)
                {
                    flags.Add(new CVFlag
                    {
                        Category = FlagCategory.Timeline,
                        Severity = FlagSeverity.Medium,
                        Title = "Employment Overlaps Education",
                        Description = $"Employment at {emp.CompanyName} started " +
                            $"{Math.Abs(timeBetween)} days before completing degree " +
                            $"from {edu.Institution}. " +
                            $"Education end: {edu.EndDate:yyyy-MM}, " +
                            $"Employment start: {emp.StartDate:yyyy-MM}",
                        ScoreImpact = -20
                    });
                }
            }
        }

        flags.AddRange(DetectAnomalousEmploymentPatterns(employment));
        return flags;
    }

    private List<CVFlag> DetectAnomalousEmploymentPatterns(
        List<EmploymentEntry> employment)
    {
        var flags = new List<CVFlag>();

        for (int i = 0; i < employment.Count - 1; i++)
        {
            var current = employment[i];
            var next = employment[i + 1];

            if (!current.EndDate.HasValue || next.StartDate < current.EndDate.Value)
            {
                // Overlapping employment
                flags.Add(new CVFlag
                {
                    Category = FlagCategory.Timeline,
                    Severity = current.EndDate == next.StartDate ? FlagSeverity.Low : FlagSeverity.Medium,
                    Title = "Overlapping Employment Periods",
                    Description = $"Employment at {current.CompanyName} and {next.CompanyName} " +
                        $"overlap. End date: {current.EndDate:yyyy-MM}, " +
                        $"Next start: {next.StartDate:yyyy-MM}",
                    ScoreImpact = current.EndDate == next.StartDate ? -10 : -25
                });

                continue;
            }

            var gapDays = (next.StartDate - current.EndDate.Value).Days;
            var gapMonths = gapDays / 30;

            if (gapMonths > SuspiciousGapMonths)
            {
                flags.Add(new CVFlag
                {
                    Category = FlagCategory.Timeline,
                    Severity = FlagSeverity.Low,
                    Title = "Extended Employment Gap",
                    Description = $"{gapMonths}-month gap between {current.CompanyName} " +
                        $"(ended {current.EndDate:yyyy-MM}) and {next.CompanyName} " +
                        $"(started {next.StartDate:yyyy-MM}). " +
                        $"Note: UK employment gaps becoming more common (24% of workforce in 2025)",
                    ScoreImpact = -10
                });
            }
        }

        return flags;
    }

    public List<CVFlag> AnalyzeGraduationEmploymentGaps(
        List<EducationEntry> education,
        List<EmploymentEntry> employment)
    {
        var flags = new List<CVFlag>();

        foreach (var edu in education.Where(e => e.EndDate.HasValue))
        {
            var firstEmployment = employment
                .Where(e => e.StartDate >= edu.EndDate.Value)
                .OrderBy(e => e.StartDate)
                .FirstOrDefault();

            if (firstEmployment is null)
            {
                continue;  // No employment recorded after education
            }

            var gapDays = (firstEmployment.StartDate - edu.EndDate.Value).Days;
            var gapMonths = gapDays / 30;

            // Large gap between graduation and first job
            if (gapMonths > RedFlagGapMonths && gapMonths < SuspiciousGapMonths)
            {
                flags.Add(new CVFlag
                {
                    Category = FlagCategory.Timeline,
                    Severity = FlagSeverity.Low,
                    Title = "Extended Gap After Graduation",
                    Description = $"{gapMonths}-month gap between graduation " +
                        $"({edu.EndDate:yyyy-MM}) and first employment " +
                        $"({firstEmployment.StartDate:yyyy-MM}). Verify reason if claimed.",
                    ScoreImpact = -5
                });
            }
        }

        return flags;
    }
}

Phase 1f: Dependency Injection & Integration (Days 13-14)

Update: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/DependencyInjection.cs

// Add to existing DependencyInjection class:

services.Configure<HeddSettings>(configuration.GetSection("Hedd"));

services.AddHttpClient<HeddClient>()
    .SetHandlerLifetime(TimeSpan.FromMinutes(5));

services.AddHttpClient<CompaniesHouseDirectorsClient>()
    .SetHandlerLifetime(TimeSpan.FromMinutes(5));

services.AddScoped<IEducationVerifierService, EducationVerifierService>();
services.AddScoped<IDirectorshipVerifierService, DirectorshipVerifierService>();
services.AddScoped<EnhancedTimelineAnalyserService>();

Update: src/TrueCV.Infrastructure/Jobs/ProcessCVCheckJob.cs

Add education and directorship verification to the processing pipeline:

public async Task ExecuteAsync(Guid cvCheckId, CancellationToken cancellationToken)
{
    // ... existing code ...

    // Step 3: Verify education entries (NEW)
    var educationFlags = await VerifyEducationAsync(cvData, cvCheck, cancellationToken);
    flags.AddRange(educationFlags);

    // Step 4: Enhanced timeline analysis (UPDATED)
    var enhancedTimeline = _enhancedTimelineService.AnalyzeEducationEmploymentSequence(
        cvData.Education,
        cvData.Employment);
    flags.AddRange(enhancedTimeline);

    // Step 5: Verify directorship claims (NEW)
    var directorshipFlags = await VerifyDirectorshipsAsync(
        cvData.Employment, cancellationToken);
    flags.AddRange(directorshipFlags);

    // ... rest of processing ...
}

private async Task<List<CVFlag>> VerifyEducationAsync(
    CVData cvData,
    CVCheck cvCheck,
    CancellationToken cancellationToken)
{
    var flags = new List<CVFlag>();

    foreach (var edu in cvData.Education)
    {
        if (!edu.EndDate.HasValue)
            continue;

        try
        {
            var result = await _educationVerifier.VerifyEducationEntryAsync(
                cvData.FullName,
                DateOnly.FromDateTime(DateTime.Now).AddYears(-30),  // Estimate DOB
                edu.Institution,
                edu.Qualification ?? "Unknown",
                edu.Subject,
                edu.Grade,
                edu.EndDate.Value,
                cancellationToken);

            var verificationFlag = EducationFlagGenerator.GenerateEducationVerificationFlag(
                result, edu);

            if (verificationFlag is not null)
            {
                flags.Add(verificationFlag);
            }
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error verifying education for CV {CheckId}", cvCheckId);
        }
    }

    return flags;
}

private async Task<List<CVFlag>> VerifyDirectorshipsAsync(
    List<EmploymentEntry> employment,
    CancellationToken cancellationToken)
{
    var flags = new List<CVFlag>();

    foreach (var emp in employment.Where(e =>
        e.Description?.Contains("director", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) == true ||
        e.JobTitle?.Contains("director", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) == true))
    {
        try
        {
            var result = await _directorshipVerifier.VerifyDirectorshipAsync(
                // Use company name from employment record
                emp.CompanyName,
                emp.StartDate,
                emp.EndDate,
                cancellationToken);

            if (!result.IsVerified)
            {
                flags.Add(new CVFlag
                {
                    Category = FlagCategory.DirectorshipVerification,
                    Severity = FlagSeverity.Medium,
                    Title = "Directorship Verification Failed",
                    Description = result.Notes,
                    ScoreImpact = -30
                });
            }
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogWarning(ex, "Error verifying directorship for {CompanyName}",
                emp.CompanyName);
        }
    }

    return flags;
}

Phase 1g: Testing & QA (Days 15-16)

Test File: tests/TrueCV.Tests/Services/EducationVerifierServiceTests.cs

using Moq;
using Xunit;
using TrueCV.Application.Models;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.ExternalApis;
using TrueCV.Infrastructure.Services;

namespace TrueCV.Tests.Services;

public class EducationVerifierServiceTests
{
    private readonly Mock<HeddClient> _mockHeddClient;
    private readonly EducationVerifierService _service;

    public EducationVerifierServiceTests()
    {
        _mockHeddClient = new Mock<HeddClient>();
        _service = new EducationVerifierService(
            _mockHeddClient.Object,
            new Mock<ILogger<EducationVerifierService>>().Object);
    }

    [Fact]
    public async Task VerifyEducationEntryAsync_WithValidDegree_ReturnsVerified()
    {
        // Arrange
        var heddResponse = new HeddVerificationResponse
        {
            ReferenceId = "REF-123",
            VerificationStatus = "Verified",
            InstitutionMatch = true,
            QualificationMatch = true,
            GraduationYearMatch = true
        };

        _mockHeddClient
            .Setup(x => x.VerifyDegreeAsync(
                It.IsAny<HeddVerificationRequest>(),
                It.IsAny<CancellationToken>()))
            .ReturnsAsync(heddResponse);

        // Act
        var result = await _service.VerifyEducationEntryAsync(
            "John Smith",
            new DateOnly(1990, 1, 1),
            "University of Oxford",
            "Bachelor of Science",
            "Computer Science",
            "First",
            new DateOnly(2012, 6, 1));

        // Assert
        Assert.Equal(VerificationStatus.Verified, result.Status);
        Assert.Equal(100, result.ConfidenceScore);
        Assert.Equal("REF-123", result.ReferenceId);
    }

    [Fact]
    public async Task VerifyEducationEntryAsync_WithUnverifiedDegree_ReturnsFlagGenerated()
    {
        // Similar test for unverified case
    }
}

---

Feature 2-4: Parallel Development

Timeline Summary

• Feature 1 (HEDD): Days 1-16 (primary focus, 2 engineers)
• Feature 2 (GMC/NMC): Days 5-12 (secondary, 1 engineer) - Scraper pattern
• Feature 3 (Companies House Enhancement): Days 8-14 (1 engineer) - API extension
• Feature 4 (Enhanced Timeline): Days 10-14 (1 engineer) - Logic extension

Staffing Recommendation

• Lead Engineer: HEDD integration (full-time, 2 weeks)
• Backend Engineer 2: Healthcare registers + timeline (concurrent, weeks 1-2)
• Backend Engineer 3: Companies House enhancement (weeks 2-3)
• QA Engineer: Validation & testing (weeks 2-3)

---

Configuration Required

appsettings.json Addition

{
  "Hedd": {
    "BaseUrl": "https://api.hedd.ac.uk",
    "ApiKey": "YOUR_HEDD_API_KEY",
    "TimeoutSeconds": 30,
    "RequireConsentAcknowledgment": true
  }
}

Environment Variables

• HEDD_API_KEY - Hedd registration credentials
• HEDD_BASE_URL - Hedd API endpoint (default: production)

---

Database Migration

Create migration for storing verification results:

dotnet ef migrations add AddEducationAndDirectorshipVerification --project src/TrueCV.Infrastructure --startup-project src/TrueCV.Web

Add optional columns to CVCheck entity:

• HeddReferenceId - Track pending manual reviews
• DirectorshipVerificationStatus - Cache directorship results

---

Validation Checklist

• HEDD credentials configured and tested
• Education verification returns proper flag categories
• Directorship verification cross-checks Companies House
• Enhanced timeline detects education/employment overlaps
• All flags generate with correct severity levels
• Error handling graceful (timeouts, API failures)
• Logging captures all verification attempts
• Tests passing (>90% coverage)
• Documentation updated
• Demo prepared for stakeholders