The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) with responsibility for co-ordinating policy standards on the re-use of public sector information is launched today. OPSI will lead the public sector to provide consistent and transparent processes for potential re-users to gain access to public sector information.
OPSI has been formed from the resource of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). It has an extended remit to advise on and regulate the operation of the re-use of public sector information. 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.
OPSI is an integral part of the UK implementation of the EU Directive on re-use of public sector information that will take effect on 1 July this year. The Directive will encourage the information and publishing industries to develop innovative products and services based on public sector information. OPSI will be at the heart of this, setting standards and providing a practical framework to increase transparency and remove obstacles to re-use.
OPSI will oversee the implementation of the new regulations on public sector bodies. The main obligations will be transparency of the terms of re-use, including charging details, if applicable; the need to respond to applications within 20 working days in most cases; and the production of asset lists.
As well as providing a wide range of advisory services to the public, information industry, and the public sector, OPSI will have key role in the resolution of disputes. It will act as a mediator and ensure transparency by making full disclosure of the disputes to the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI).
Notes to editors
- The Office of Public Sector Information will be attached to the Cabinet Office and under the ministerial control of the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office. Further information is available at the new website http://www.opsi.gov.uk launched today.
- The European Directive on the re-use of public sector information was published in the European Journal on 31 December 2003. It can be accessed on http://www.opsi.gov.uk/psi/eudpsi.htm
- APPSI is an independent non-departmental public body made up of independent experts and representative members of trade bodies and information organisations. Under the regulations APPSI will deal with some of the complex disputes itself and also act as a review body for decisions handled by OPSI. For details about the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information see http://www.appsi.gov.uk
- The public consultation on the introduction of regulations to implement a European Directive on the re-use of public sector information closed on Friday 18th March. It included draft regulations, a draft guide to best practice and a draft regulatory impact assessment. For further details on the consultation see http://www.opsi.gov.uk/psi/eudpsi-consultations.htm
