About BGS
The British Geological Survey is a world-leading geological survey and global geoscience organisation, focused on public-good science for government and research to understand earth and environmental processes.
We are the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge to help society to use its natural resources responsibly, manage environmental change and be resilient to environmental hazards.
Our vision:
We are the British Geological Survey. Our vision is for a safer, more sustainable and prosperous planet and a future based on sound geoscientific solutions.
BGS is the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative geoscientific data.
Our mission is to provide impartial and independent geoscience advice and data. We observe, monitor and characterise geological environments, both nationally and internationally, using our proven abilities in earth systems science. Collecting, analysing, interpreting and presenting data and knowledge are our core activities.
We also build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, governments, industry and the public to develop our work and share our expertise. Our science is focused on sensing, understanding and predicting the Earth’s behaviour and delivering solutions for the national and global good.
We have a corporate structure that determines how we develop and operate as a leading, scientifically driven, geological survey. We are part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and a research centre under the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), with an independent BGS Board created in 2018.
The roles and responsibilities of the BGS Board are defined in a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the BGS and NERC.
As an organisation, our Science Strategy sets out three challenge areas:
- decarbonisation and resource management
- environmental change, adaptation and resilience
- multi-hazards and resilience
We will also be undergoing a digital transformation to underpin these challenge areas. Our national and global directorates will work across the challenge areas to deliver:
- survey and monitoring
- modelling and research
- data and knowledge
Our annual turnover is in the region of £55 million, about 50 per cent of which comes from UKRI-NERC’s National Capability funding, with the remainder coming from commissioned research from the public and private sectors.
Further details may be found in our Annual Reports.
In this section
Our data and services
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policymakers and the general public.
Working with us
BGS is committed to being an employer of choice and strives to embrace a culture of inclusivity and flexibility.
Our history
The British Geological Survey is the world’s oldest national geological survey.
Offices and locations
Find out more about our offices and facilities located across the UK.