Ordnance Survey policies and corporate information

Learn about our governance responsibilities and how we work

Ordnance Survey Limited (company number 9121572) is a limited company incorporated in England and Wales. Our shares are 100% owned by the Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

We are a public corporation, as defined in Managing Public Money as “a trading body controlled by central government [...] that has substantial, day to day operating independence.”

All references to ‘OS’ and ‘Ordnance Survey’ throughout the website relate to Ordnance Survey Limited, unless otherwise stated or unless references relate to events prior to 1 April 2015.

Information about our governance

  • Our public task

    See our public task, which sets out what we exist to do.

  • Our policies

    We follow several policies to make sure we operate to a high standard.

  • Public information

    Find information about us, including guidance on Freedom of Information requests, Environmental Information Regulations, and Subject Access Requests.

  • Annual report

    See our latest and previous annual reports and accounts.

  • Our Directors

    Meet the members of the Board and our senior management team.

  • Our Committees

    Read about the roles and responsibilities of the OS Committees.

  • Copyright and database rights

    See how OS mapping and geospatial data, our brand, and trade marks are protected by copyright laws.

  • Product names and trade marks

    Find an extensive list of product names and trade marked brands registered to Ordnance Survey.

Useful documents

  • Crown Rights Agreement (PDF)

    The Crown Rights Agreement is a licence granted by The Keeper of Public Records, to make provision for the ownership and licensing of the copyright and database rights which subsist in OS mapping and geospatial data.

  • Shareholder Framework document (PDF)

    Our shareholder framework document defines our role and objectives, and outlines the governance and accountability framework between us and our shareholder.

Explorer House, the headquarters of Ordnance Survey

Company details

Official name: Ordnance Survey Limited

Company registration number: 09121572

Incorporated: 8 July 2014

Registered office: Explorer House, Adanac Drive, Nursling, Southampton, SO16 0AS