Our culture

We believe people work best when they have a clear mission, feel empowered to make change, and have a great work-life balance

Office consultancy

That’s why we’ve created a great place to work with flexible working, training, and social activities.

Our friendly people make Ordnance Survey (OS) a great place to work and you’ll never be short on support. In addition to training, you’ll also learn on the job – challenging the norm, sharing knowledge and bouncing ideas off each other is part of our fabric.

Check out the wide range of benefits we offer in our Employee Benefits Package (PDF), from Health & Wellbeing and Financial benefits, to Learning & Development opportunities.

Find your better place by applying to join OS. Read our application advice to help you get started.

Explore OS jobs

Ways of working at OS

We embrace a varied working model at OS, as we understand there is no one-size-fits-all model in relation to how we work. Your role in OS will determine how and where you will be based, and the amount of time you will be required to spend in the office. We’ll always be clear in job adverts and throughout the recruitment process. These are the general categories outlined in our job descriptions:

On-site

Some of our roles at OS require you to be on-site either at Explorer House (OS HQ) or one of our regional hubs.

Hybrid

Your main office is considered your work location. That could be Explorer House in Southampton, or one of our regional hubs within the UK. Your individual role will determine how much time you spend in the office. The remaining time will be down to your own personal choice, as to whether you work from home or spend more time in the office. 

Home Worker or Field-based

A Home Working contract applies when we believe that you can permanently do your best work from home. Your home address is your work location and as such you will have very little time required at one of our offices. Some of our roles may require you to be based in specific geographical locations, particularly if they are field-based positions.

A rich history of innovation

At every step in our journey, we’ve pioneered cutting-edge technology and led the way with world-leading geospatial know-how.

Historic OS cartographers

In 1747 William Roy, an innovative young engineer at the start of his career, was tasked with creating a military map of Scotland. But he had a bigger vision: to survey and map the whole of Britain.

Roy’s determination and ingenuity paved the way for modern surveying and thanks to his vision thousands of surveyors mapped every corner of Britain with pinpoint accuracy.

Nearly 230 years later, we still approach our work with the same spirit of adventure and dedication to accuracy that William Roy pioneered.

Learn more about the history of Ordnance Survey

Gender pay gap information

For our most recent gender pay gap data, please view the Gender Pay Gap Report for 2023 (PDF).

How we support and invest in our employees

From wellbeing support, to being a part of something sustainable, to our annual bonus scheme, explore the benefits of working with OS.

OS culture

There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved in our social scene and activities to develop your skills.

  • Experiment with new technologies; help shape a growing industry.
  • Get involved in social clubs including running, volleyball, yoga, photography and our choir.
  • Enjoy working in our purpose-built, open plan, eco-friendly building on the South Coast.
  • Experience our culture of embracing a more flexible working environment.
  • Refuel in our on-site restaurant, cafe and shop.
  • Work with friendly, supportive, encouraging people.

Investing in you

We invest in our people and support a range of flexible working styles.

  • Take training and development opportunities to keep your skills up to date.
  • Get support for your health and wellbeing including eye care vouchers, child care credits and health checks.
  • Take one volunteer day a year to give back to the community.
  • Find opportunities to grow within the business.

OS benefits

Working for OS you'll get great benefits:

  • Get an industry-competitive salary
  • Join a great pension scheme
  • 25 days annual leave (rising by 1 day every year up to 30 days), bank holidays and an extra 3 over Christmas*
  • Enjoy discounts at 500+ stores including our OS Maps and Consumer range of products
  • Use our travel scheme – car share, cycle to work or bus vouchers
  • Ease your childcare worries with our on-site subsidised nursery
  • Be part of our fantastic social scene at OS with one of our many sports & social clubs
  • We embrace flexible working throughout the business

Learn more in our Employee Benefits Package (PDF)

*Extra 3 days leave over Christmas is not applicable for roles in the Customer Service Centre

Job vacancies

Where will Ordnance Survey take your career?

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OS HQ office reception

Related information

  • Diversity and inclusion at OS

    At Ordnance Survey we believe diversity and inclusion is about working together in a supportive and respectful environment.

  • Careers

    Discover what a career with Ordnance Survey could offer you. Learn about life with us and browse the career opportunities on offer now.

  • Application advice

    We are providing you with help and advice on your application, how to write a great CV and master online interviews.