May 2005

“With the implementation of the EU Directive on the re-use of Public Sector Information in 2005 it was decided that there was a need for a dedicated body to be the principal focal point for advising on and regulating the operation of public sector information re-use. The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) has been established for that purpose. It will be at the heart of information policy, setting standards, providing a practical framework of best practice for opening up and encouraging the use of public sector information.”

OPSI is part of the Cabinet Office reporting structure and provides a wide range of services to the public, information industry, government and the wider public sector relating to finding, using, sharing and trading information, including:

• implementation of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 which come into force on 1st July 2005
• operation of an Information Fair Trader Scheme (IFTS) which helps re-users of public sector information to know that they will be treated reasonably and fairly by public sector information providers
• operation of the Click-Use system for obtaining a licence to re-use Crown copyright material through an online licensing process
• management of the Information Asset Register (IAR) that lists information assets held by the UK Government with a focus on unpublished material
• provision of a secretariat to the Advisory Panel On Public Sector Information (APPSI), which advises Ministers on how best to encourage the re-use of public sector information

What of HMSO?

“The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) has grown out of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO). OPSI has a broad remit … HMSO continues to exist and fulfil its core activities including responsibility for the publication of legislation and the management of Crown copyright operating from within OPSI.

One of the practical consequences of the creation of OPSI is the re-branding of what was the HMSO website – HMSOnline.

All legislation will continue to be published on behalf of the Controller of HMSO. Certification of legislation will also continue to be carried out by HMSO, and the imprints on legislation, the Gazettes and Command Papers will remain unchanged. The Controller of HMSO by letters patent exercises the rights of the Crown in Crown copyright works. HMSO will continue to administer these functions on the Controller’s behalf.”

What’s this APPSI?

The Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI) is a Non-Departmental Public Body whose role is:

• to advise Ministers on how to encourage and create opportunities in the information industry for greater re-use of Government information;
• to advise the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office about changes and opportunities in the information industry, so that the licensing of Crown copyright information is aligned with current and emerging developments.