The re-use of public sector information

We are committed to being open and transparent with the information we produce. The Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 (RPSI) set out how public sector information can be re‑used.

RPSI supports the re‑use of information after it has been released under existing access laws such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, and data protection legislation. It does not replace these laws.

What Is public sector information?

Public sector information is information that we create as part of our public task – our core duties and statutory responsibilities. The ICO confirms that RPSI only applies to information produced as part of a public task and only where we hold the intellectual property rights.

RPSI does not apply to:

  • Information exempt from disclosure under FOIA, EIR or data protection law
  • Information produced outside our public task
  • Information where copyright or database rights are held by a third party

What do we mean by re-use?

Re‑use means using information we release for a purpose different from the one for which it was originally created.

Examples include:

  • Publishing the information on another website
  • Using it in an app, report or data service
  • Combining it with other datasets to produce new insights

RPSI is intended to encourage re‑use and make public information available wherever possible.

Requesting permission to re‑use our information

If you would like to re‑use information we hold, please use the contact details below, and tell us:

  • The information you want to re‑use
  • How you plan to use it
  • Whether you require a specific licence

We will consider your request under the RPSI Regulations and respond accordingly.

Licensing and Conditions

Where we allow re‑use, we will normally do so under the Open Government Licence (OGL) or other licensing arrangements recommended by The National Archives.

The OGL allows you to:

  • Copy, publish, distribute and adapt the information
  • Use it commercially or non‑commercially
  • Combine it with other information

As long as you:

  • Acknowledge the source properly as “Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service”
  • Do not mislead or misrepresent the information
  • Do not suggest endorsement by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The National Archives confirms that the OGL and the UK Government Licensing Framework remain the standard licensing approach for public sector information.

Some information may require more specific terms or commercial licensing, depending on its nature. The Government Office for Technology Transfer’s guidance explains how licensing works for different types of public sector information and knowledge assets.

Information we cannot permit for re-use

We may not permit re‑use where:

  • We do not own the copyright or database rights
  • Restrictions apply due to national security, personal data, or other legal exemptions
  • The information does not form part of our public task

If information is already publicly accessible - for example, published on our website - it will normally be available for re‑use unless a restriction applies.

Contacting us

If any further information or request is needed, please contact the Service’s Data Protection Officer preferably through email dpo@staffordshirefire.gov.uk or through the contact centre number 0300 330 1000.