Gov Talk

Q. I've got too many schemas to go through the GovTalk process. What should I do?

It is recognised that there may be large-scale schema development efforts within certain departments and sectors. It would be inefficient for these to pass through the GovTalk process every time an update is made. In this case, it is recommended that schema developers contact the GovTalk manager by emailing govtalk@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk to enable suitable links to be set up. Departments that wish to publish schemas on their own sites should support interoperability by:

1. enabling links to and from GovTalk
2. following the Government Schema Guidelines
3. emulating the GovTalk process internally
4. nominating a representative for the Government Schema Group (this can be done by emailing govtalk@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk)
5. documenting any deviations from the standards 

Q. Our schemas are purely for internal use and of no interest to others. Should I submit my schemas to GovTalk?

No. GovTalk is meant to be a central repository of schemas to enable the interoperability of public sector systems. If your schemas are of no interest to other departments or agencies then there is no need to go through the GovTalk process. However, it is recommended that you follow the best practice and QA guidance. 

Q. When will my schemas be reviewed?

Currently there is no process for reviewing existing schemas. In the fullness of time schemas will be managed in an XML registry / repository (RegRep) and the metadata item Disposal.Review will initiate some sort of automated review process. For example, when the review date is reached, the registry could send an email notification to the email address of the owner.

Q. Why should I submit my schemas to GovTalk?  

Publishing schemas on GovTalk shows that you:

are committed to standards and best practice
promote information sharing and joined-up government
have followed the UK government guidelines
It is a seal of quality which demonstrates that you have successfully passed the tests for interoperability. In addition, it makes your schemas easier to find for other developers who may be doing similar projects. 

Q. I've developed a new version of my schema. How do I decide what version number to use?

Please refer to the Change Control Procedures for e-Government Resources section 4.1.2 for details of version numbering. 

Q. Are there any e-GIF accreditation requirements for developers of e-GIF compliant schemas?  

Organisations do not need to be accredited in order to submit schemas to GovTalk.

Q. How do I post schemas on GovTalk? 

Send them to GovTalk and if they are suitable they can be posted on the site for consultation.

There are three key documents that are of assistance in preparing the schemas for submission and checking that they are suitable:

e-Government Schema Guidelines for XML
Procedures for Acceptance of XML Schemas
Schema QA Stylesheet
These are available on GovTalk at the link below:

http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/schemasstandards/developerguide.asp

It will help speed up the process if the schemas have been tested against the stylesheet before submission. Descriptive material about the schemas should also be provided for use on GovTalk when the schemas are sent in.