Freedom of information

Information available | The role of Ordnance Survey | How to access information
Complaints and appeals procedure | Formats and fees

Information already available to the general public via our web site

This information may be accessed without using the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). A great deal of information is already published on our site at www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk. Our web site includes the following information:

Outline of Ordnance Survey's role and organisational structure.
Outline of the work of Ordnance Survey.
Regular update of press releases.

Some information accessible on our web site is not published for the information of the general public, but is part of our electronic delivery of service. In that case, access to records bearing details about a named individual or company is limited to the individual or company concerned and other authorised persons. We explain the conditions applying on our web site so that you can read them before you begin to use the relevant online service.

Ordnance Survey web site

The material featured on the Ordnance Survey site is subject to Crown copyright protection. Ordnance Survey authorises visitors to the site to make one free copy, by downloading to printer or to electronic, magnetic or optical storage media, of any items featured on the site for the purposes of private research, study and reference.

Any other copy or use of Crown copyright materials featured on the site, in any form or medium, is subject to the prior approval of Ordnance Survey.

If you would like a hard copy of our publication scheme, please order it from the Data Protection Liaison Officer, Ordnance Survey, Romsey Road, SOUTHAMPTON, SO16 4GU, phone: 023 8079 2563 or email RecordsManagement@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Access to personal data

If you require details about the information we hold about you, please contact the Ordnance Survey Data Protection Liaison Officer at: Ordnance Survey, Romsey Road, SOUTHAMPTON, SO16 4GU, or email RecordsManagement@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Applications under the FOIA 2000 (individual requests made after January 2005)

Under the FOIA, anyone is entitled to request information not otherwise publicly available. (Please note that the FOIA does not cover requests where you are asking for details relating to information about you as an individual. These requests will continue to be subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act.)

Two of the main features of the FOIA are:

A general right of access to information held by Ordnance Survey, subject to certain conditions and exemptions.
In cases where information is exempted from disclosure, except where an absolute exemption applies, a duty on Ordnance Survey to inform the applicant whether they hold the information; and communicate that information to the applicant unless the public interest in maintaining the exemption in question outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Ordnance Survey is obliged to respond to requests within 20 working days of receipt of the request. Requests for information under the FOIA should be addressed to:

FREEPOST FOI
Customer Service Centre
FPN 1399
Ordnance Survey
Romsey Road
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 4GU

foi@ordnancesurvey.co.uk

What you need to do!

Applications should be in writing and include your name and correspondence address. You should also provide as much detail as possible to enable Ordnance Survey to identify the information sought. If information is required in a particular way (for example, a photocopy or on computer disk) this should also be stated in the application. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise information you require, or difficulty in making the application in writing, please contact our staff who will be pleased to help you. Phone: 08456 05 05 05 or email foi@ordnancesurvey.co.uk.

How much will it cost?

The publications are free unless otherwise stated. For these items Ordnance Survey will charge a fee. These have to be calculated according to Fees Regulations. Under the FOIA, fees may be charged in respect of the time spent in efficiently locating or copying records, based on a standard hourly rate.

No charges may apply in respect of the time spent by Ordnance Survey in considering requests. If a fee is required, the 20 working days will be extended by up to 3 months until the fee is paid. In cases where information is covered by an exemption, Ordnance Survey is then required to consider if the public interest in maintaining the exemption in question outweighs the public interest in disclosure.