The spat between the Systems Interoperability Framework (SIF) Association and the Department for Education started last August with a flawed consultant’s report to DfE. The riposte from the SIF Association showed concern about “the numerous inaccuracies in the published review” was sent in September. There was no satisfactory response by the time of the November SIF Conference.
The demise of Becta can’t have assisted the proceedings, but it has taken another four months to get any public form of rapprochement.
“The DfE acknowledges and values the work done by the SIF community and others in the UK. The DfE will continue to support the work of the SIF Association by sharing knowledge and advice through the Technical Support Service for the Information Standards Board (ISB), the Department’s Chief Information Officer Group and the Data and Statistics Division.”
The ISB now seems to be the Government’s hub of activity in this area. They have done some sterling work on a model for all sectors of education. It means migrating to a shared vocabulary – all good standards stuff. So the SIF Association have returned the compliment:
“The SIF Association recognises and values the work that has been done by DfE and the ISB in producing a Business Data Architecture model suitable for use across the ESCS. The Association also accepts the long term vision and direction of the Business Data Architecture and has committed itself to work alongside the ISB in the development of new data items.”
Whether it all leads to greater efficiency in education administration, only time will tell whether it is a marriage made in heaven.
Quarkside 
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