Public Sector Information

Information management

The National Archives provides strong leadership in developing information management across government and the wider public sector. We shape policy, set standards, improve access, and encourage the re-use of public sector information.

The services we provide relate to finding, using, sharing and trading information within the public realm.

Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI)

Operating from within The National Archives since October 2006, the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) plays an important role as a regulator of the information-trading activities of public sector bodies.

The Information Fair Trader Scheme (IFTS) helps re-users of public sector information to know that they will be treated reasonably and fairly. OPSI also investigates complaints made under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations.

OPSI provides the Click-Use system for obtaining a licence to re-use Crown copyright and public sector material. We are also responsible for the Information Asset Register (IAR), which lists information assets held by the UK Government, with a focus on unpublished material.

We also provide a secretariat to the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI), which advises ministers on how to encourage the re-use of public sector information.

Find out more about OPSI.

Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)

Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) operates within OPSI and has responsibility for publishing legislation and managing Crown copyright.