British Geological Survey : the legislative framework

Since shortly after its inception in 1835 the Geological Survey has had the support of a number
of statutory rights to obtain geological and other scientific information to ensure that it could
carry out its role as a National Survey. These rights also carry with them the obligation to
maintain records of this work and to make it available to government and the public. As the work
of the British Geological Survey and its precursors has mainly been carried out for and funded
by Government its records are covered by Public Records legislation. The Freedom of
Information Act, the Lord Chancellors Codes of Practice and the Environmental Information
Regulations set out further obligations and provide guidance for good practice. The more recent
Statutory Instrument 2009 No. 1744 has restored Public Records Body status on the Research
Councils and brings them all within the scope of the Public Records Act.