# Latest **URL:** https://forum.openreferral.org/latest.md [Latest](https://forum.openreferral.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.openreferral.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.openreferral.org/tags.md) --- ## [Hello from RIVIAM](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hello-from-riviam/357)
**Author:** [@paultargett](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/paultargett)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hello-from-riviam/357 "2026-09-23T13:10:50Z")
Hi, Paul from RIVIAM. We have a directory and referral management solution. We’ve been following this service directory standard for a while and are planning to support in the next 6 months. --- ## [Please review some draft HSDS documentation!](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/please-review-some-draft-hsds-documentation/867)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/please-review-some-draft-hsds-documentation/867 "2026-09-16T10:19:36Z")
Hey folks, We’re working on drafting some HSDS Guidance at the moment, taking steer from our documentation backlog. Documentation backlog I’ve done a first draft of a How-To: “How to Use the HSDS Profile Wizard to Ge… --- ## [Open Referral International's Upcoming Network Summit](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/open-referral-internationals-upcoming-network-summit/870)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/open-referral-internationals-upcoming-network-summit/870 "2026-09-12T15:14:08Z")
On behalf of the International Open Referral Initiative, we would like share an upcoming event, the Open Referral International Network Summit, taking place from the 7th– 8th October. This is a great opportunity for any… --- ## [Compiled Schemas Considered Harmful](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/compiled-schemas-considered-harmful/839)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 11:54am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/compiled-schemas-considered-harmful/839 "2026-09-11T11:54:08Z")
I’ve been sitting on this for a while and finally had a few moments to finish it up and post it to github: Refactor and remove compiled schemas · Issue #592 · openreferral/specification · GitHub The details are in the… --- ## [Transforming Social Prescribing with the Open Referral UK Standard](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/transforming-social-prescribing-with-the-open-referral-uk-standard/869)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 6:27am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/transforming-social-prescribing-with-the-open-referral-uk-standard/869 "2026-09-11T06:27:58Z")
At iStandUK, we believe that when local services share data consistently using open standards, citizens can access vital support far more quickly, while public sector organisations operate free from the friction of disco… --- ## [Notification of PATCH Updates: bugfixes to normative documentation](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/notification-of-patch-updates-bugfixes-to-normative-documentation/866)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 8:35am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/notification-of-patch-updates-bugfixes-to-normative-documentation/866 "2026-09-09T08:35:37Z")
I have staged a PR which makes some bugfixes to the HSDS Documentation site. Because some of these changes touch normative pages, it requires a PATCH update. The changes consist of updating the version string – used for… --- ## [Standing Technical Meetups](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/standing-technical-meetups/454)
**Author:** [@Dan-ODS](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Dan-ODS)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/standing-technical-meetups/454 "2026-09-08T15:15:25Z")
Thread for following up on Standing Technical Meetups. --- ## [Forming a Technical Committee](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/forming-a-technical-committee/517)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/forming-a-technical-committee/517 "2026-09-02T19:43:45Z")
Now that we’ve upgraded our governance model, it’s time to prepare to form the Technical Committee. I’ve produced a draft of a description of the Committee here, pulling material from our governance proposal(s), and fil… --- ## [Action: Approval for HSDS 3.3](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/action-approval-for-hsds-3-3/855)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2026, 9:59am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/action-approval-for-hsds-3-3/855 "2026-08-19T09:59:38Z")
Following the committee’s decision to approve two proposals on 2026-07-16, I have implemented these in a staging branch and raised a pull request to merge them into the new 3.3-dev branch. There is an accompanying docs b… --- ## [Network Summit: October 7-8](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/network-summit-october-7-8/865)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/network-summit-october-7-8/865 "2026-08-17T14:26:30Z")
Hi friends! Given all of our recent progress on objectives laid out a year or more ago, it’s time for our next irregularly-scheduled Network Summit :slight\_smile: In our Network Summits, we bring together members from a… --- ## [Resource Data Federation: let's discuss](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/resource-data-federation-lets-discuss/601)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/resource-data-federation-lets-discuss/601 "2026-08-14T14:54:29Z")
We should make some time to talk about the challenges of resource data federation – by which I mean, enabling multiple directory maintainers to collaborate on data management across different information systems. I thin… --- ## [Discussion about the Open Referral Airtable template](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/discussion-about-the-open-referral-airtable-template/860)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 3:56pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/discussion-about-the-open-referral-airtable-template/860 "2026-08-10T15:56:42Z")
Hi folks – We’ve fielded some interest from new partners in developing new features on the Open Referral Airtable template, and we know that since the last formal update there have been people working on it and learning … --- ## [Connect211 Proposal for New Field of HSDS Standardized Objects](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/connect211-proposal-for-new-field-of-hsds-standardized-objects/849)
**Author:** [@CheetoBandito](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/CheetoBandito)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 3:50pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/connect211-proposal-for-new-field-of-hsds-standardized-objects/849 "2026-08-05T15:50:44Z")
Hi all — I’d like to open a discussion around adding a small set of new objects to HSDS for exchanging feedback on existing records, and I’d appreciate a read-through and critique from this community. Because of our requ… --- ## [HSDS Lite - Scratching my personal itches with HSDS Schemas](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hsds-lite-scratching-my-personal-itches-with-hsds-schemas/857)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 2:09pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hsds-lite-scratching-my-personal-itches-with-hsds-schemas/857 "2026-07-31T14:09:38Z")
Hi folks, I’ve been working on an experimental, proof-of-concept version of HSDS which I’ve called “HSDS Lite”. It’s my personal work, so not officially endorsed by Open Data Services. I’ve done this to scratch a few … --- ## [Community survey: what are your priorities for DOCUMENTATION?](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/community-survey-what-are-your-priorities-for-documentation/859)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2026, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/community-survey-what-are-your-priorities-for-documentation/859 "2026-07-29T14:13:43Z")
Hi folks – calling for your feedback: We’re setting priorities for DOCUMENTATION RESOURCES that can support users in adopting, adapting, and using HSDS. We’ve created a poll with a list of possible documentation topics … --- ## [National Data for Local Services Workshop](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/national-data-for-local-services-workshop/858)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2026, 11:13am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/national-data-for-local-services-workshop/858 "2026-07-29T11:13:02Z")
How much time does your team spend manually updating, verifying and maintaining local service directories? Across local government, directories for Family Information Services, SEND Local Offers and Adult Social Care re… --- ## [Proposal: API Field for Linking to Data Guides](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/proposal-api-field-for-linking-to-data-guides/734)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/proposal-api-field-for-linking-to-data-guides/734 "2026-07-16T16:59:57Z")
Ahead of the Standing Technical Meeting scheduled for 2025-09-10, the authors would like to submit this proposal for consideration by the committee: Proposal: API Field for Linking to Data Guides --- ## [2026-07 Meeting agenda](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/2026-07-meeting-agenda/848)
**Author:** [@oughnic](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/oughnic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 1:07pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/2026-07-meeting-agenda/848 "2026-07-08T13:07:06Z")
Agenda: Welcome and introductions (Nicholas Oughtibridge, iStandUK) Overview of the Validator (Matt Marshall, Open Data Services) Proposed terms of reference (Nicholas Oughtibridge, iStandUK) A community contribution (… --- ## [Survey on Documentation priorities for the Technical Committee](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/survey-on-documentation-priorities-for-the-technical-committee/847)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2026, 4:30pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/survey-on-documentation-priorities-for-the-technical-committee/847 "2026-07-06T16:30:52Z")
Hi @TechnicalCommittee , we created a poll on the list of possible documentation topics, please help us test this poll and start gathering your input by filling it out before the next Committee meeting. See the poll here… --- ## [iStandUK Launches International Advisory Community for the Open Referral Validator](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/istanduk-launches-international-advisory-community-for-the-open-referral-validator/845)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/istanduk-launches-international-advisory-community-for-the-open-referral-validator/845 "2026-06-26T15:04:06Z")
Exciting news for the global open data community! Following our strategic review a few weeks ago, we are officially launching the international Validator Community of Interest Group for the Open Referral Validator. As … --- ## [ORUK &SAVVI : Opportunities for the Tech Sector in Government-Endorsed Data Standards](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/oruk-savvi-opportunities-for-the-tech-sector-in-government-endorsed-data-standards/844)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/oruk-savvi-opportunities-for-the-tech-sector-in-government-endorsed-data-standards/844 "2026-06-25T15:04:41Z")
We are delighted to announce an upcoming event in partnership with techUK: SAVVI & ORUK: Opportunities for the Tech Sector in Government-Endorsed Data Standards. Taking place online on Wednesday 01st July from 12:00pm t… --- ## [Seeking input on draft proposals pertaining to Schedules](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/seeking-input-on-draft-proposals-pertaining-to-schedules/843)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/seeking-input-on-draft-proposals-pertaining-to-schedules/843 "2026-06-24T15:37:50Z")
Hi all! After the last Standing Technical Committee meeting where we presented a formal proposal to update the schedule schema; we got the feedback that the Proposal was trying to do too much and I agree. In response to… --- ## [Challenges with the \`schedule\` table for organizations in the USA](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/challenges-with-the-schedule-table-for-organizations-in-the-usa/429)
**Author:** [@skyleryoung](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/skyleryoung)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 3:25pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/challenges-with-the-schedule-table-for-organizations-in-the-usa/429 "2026-06-16T15:25:47Z")
I’ve been working with the National 211 Data Platform (NDP) in conjunction with a data managers from several 211s towards creating, among other things, a 211 Profile for HSDS. We’ve hit a snag trying to use the schedule … --- ## [Open Referral UK Steering Group: A New Chapter](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/open-referral-uk-steering-group-a-new-chapter/838)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/open-referral-uk-steering-group-a-new-chapter/838 "2026-06-10T12:25:32Z")
How can we make it easier for people to discover and access vital community services? It all comes down to how we share information. Open Referral UK (ORUK) has entered an exciting new phase, with iStandUK recently taki… --- ## [HSDS Transformer Use Cases](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hsds-transformer-use-cases/718)
**Author:** [@ananya\_iyer](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/ananya_iyer)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/hsds-transformer-use-cases/718 "2026-06-09T15:16:05Z")
Hi all, My name is Ananya Iyer, I am a member of Blueprint @ Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken NJ working with Open Referral to work on the transformer project. I’ve been drafting some user stories for the Tran… --- ## [Forum on AI and sustainability hosted by SustainOSS this thursday](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/forum-on-ai-and-sustainability-hosted-by-sustainoss-this-thursday/837)
**Author:** [@bloom](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/bloom)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/forum-on-ai-and-sustainability-hosted-by-sustainoss-this-thursday/837 "2026-06-08T15:38:04Z")
Hi folks – SustainOSS is hosting a participatory workshop about sustainability and AI in Open Source Software projects, this thursday at NOON EASTERN TIME. AI, FLOSS, and Sustainability Virtual Forum | A Space for Open S… --- ## [Strengthening the Open Referral Validator: iStandUK’s Next Steps](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/strengthening-the-open-referral-validator-istanduk-s-next-steps/830)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/strengthening-the-open-referral-validator-istanduk-s-next-steps/830 "2026-06-03T13:50:36Z")
Following the transition of the Open Referral UK (ORUK) standard to iStandUK, as of 01st April 2026, the iStandUK Technical Team recently convened to align on the architectural and governance roadmap for the ORUK Validat… --- ## [What is good vocabulary for describing Data Quality?](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/what-is-good-vocabulary-for-describing-data-quality/816)
**Author:** [@skyleryoung](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/skyleryoung)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2026, 2:28pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/what-is-good-vocabulary-for-describing-data-quality/816 "2026-06-02T14:28:16Z")
In our Validator and HSDS validation conversations, we’ve been dancing around different words and concepts relating to the quality of data coming through APIs. Reasons for doing so include: As @oughnic pointed out most… --- ## [How would you use a hosted validator?](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/how-would-you-use-a-hosted-validator/803)
**Author:** [@mrshll](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/mrshll)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/how-would-you-use-a-hosted-validator/803 "2026-05-29T13:35:54Z")
With the advent of Jeff’s re-working of the ORUK validator to be more flexible and suitable for multiple audiences, we’ve started discussion about what it looks like to have a hosted instance of the validator for the com… --- ## [A new chapter for Open Referral UK (ORUK)!](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/a-new-chapter-for-open-referral-uk-oruk/809)
**Author:** [@Mevish-iStandUK](https://forum.openreferral.org/u/Mevish-iStandUK)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 8:48am UTC](https://forum.openreferral.org/t/a-new-chapter-for-open-referral-uk-oruk/809 "2026-05-20T08:48:12Z")
As of 01 April 2026, Open Referral UK (ORUK) officially begins a new chapter under the stewardship of iStandUK. This milestone not only marks a new organisational home, but a timely moment to pause, reflect and introduce… [Next page](https://forum.openreferral.org/latest.md?page=1)