Ordnance Survey becomes part of Department for Business Innovation and Skills

The Prime Minister announced today that Ministerial responsibility for Ordnance Survey, alongside Land Registry and the Met Office, will pass to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS).

The Government shareholding of Ordnance Survey and the Government’s customer functions both move from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The BIS Permanent Secretary, Martin Donnelly, welcomed the move, which marks a step towards establishment of a Public Data Corporation (PDC), plans for which were announced by the Government in January this year.

Martin Donnelly said: “It is good to welcome Ordnance Survey, the Land Registry and Met Office to the BIS family. The talents and abilities of their staff will be a welcome addition to the Department’s teamwork to ensure sustainable economic growth across the UK.

“Staff and customers should know that these organisations will continue to deliver a high level of service going forward.”

Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, Ordnance Survey Director General and Chief Executive, added: “Bringing Ordnance Survey together with some of the other major data providers in government under BIS will provide an excellent opportunity to share best practice and strengthen our existing relationships.” 

Final decisions on membership, structure and commercial strategy of the Public Data Corporation will be taken later this year, following a consultation on PDC data policy, due to launch over the summer.

In the meantime, BIS Minister Edward Davey MP will jointly chair with the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude MP a PDC Transition Board, which will consider membership, structure and governance for the PDC.