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Click–Use Licensing across Public Sector

The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) is to extend the coverage of the Click–Use Licence from the 1st April 2006. Click–Use – online licensing system for the re–use of Crown and Parliamentary copyright information – will now also cover information produced by Public Sector organisations such as local authorities, the NHS, police and fire services.

Since the Regulations on the re–use of public sector information came into force in July 2005, Public Sector organisations have certain responsibilities in relation to licensing the re-use of their information. The Regulations aim to encourage the re–use of public sector information by removing obstacles that stand in the way of re–use – this means Public Sector organisations will need to improve their transparency, fairness and consistency.

In fulfilling these obligations, probably the most challenging task Public Sector organisations will face is setting up a licensing process. Click–Use offers a quick, efficient and cost-free solution across the Public Sector – organisations need only identify the information they would like to be covered, then sign a simple mandate form authorising OPSI to license information on their behalf. They can then list the information to be covered on their website with links to the Click–Use website.

Carol Tullo, Director of the Office of Public Sector Information said:

‘With over 9000 global licences to date enabling the re–use of a vast range of official information without restriction, this UK online initiative has been welcomed and praised for unlocking the potential of public sector information.

‘OPSI is working to support the public sector in delivering integrated and flexible solutions in information management.’

There are a number of advantages for Public Sector organisations that choose to make information available for re–use under the Click–Use Licence:

• Information can be handled under a tried and trusted licensing system
• They will not have to license the information themselves. Nor will they be required to publish the terms of re–use
• There is no cost – either in developing a licence or a licensing system

Public Sector organisations can sign up for Click–Use Licensing from 1st April 2006.

Notes to editors

• For further information contact:
  Information Policy Team
  Office of Public Sector Information
  St Clements House
  2󈝼 Colegate
  NORWICH
  NR3 1 BQ
  or email: HMSOlicensing@cabinet–office.x.gsi.gov.uk
• For more information on the Office of Public Sector Information website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/index.htm [External website]
• The Regulations on the re–use of public sector information came into force on 1 July 2005. They can be accessed at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051515.htm [External website]
• For details of the number of Click–Use Licences issued to date visit http://www.opsi.gov.uk/about/website–statistics/licensing–statistics.htm [External website]

Tel: 020 7276 1190 – Fax: 020 7276 0618

Out of hours telephone 07699 113300 and ask for pager number 721338.

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