Introduction to the organisation of the BGS

What is the British Geological Survey?

The British Geological Survey (BGS), a part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the nation's principal supplier of objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and information for decision making for governmental, commercial and individual users.
The BGS carries out research in strategically important areas including energy and natural resources, vulnerability to environmental change and hazards, and earth system science, often in collaboration with the national and international scientific academic community.

Prof John Ludden | Director

Photograph of Prof John Ludden Before taking the post of Executive Director at the BGS, John Ludden was Director of the Earth Sciences Division at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). He has also served as Director of Research for the CNRS in Nancy, France. (more)



Prof Denis Peach | Chief Scientist

Photograph of Prof Denis Peach Before his appointment as Chief Scientist, Denis Peach spent over nine years as the Manager of the BGS Groundwater Programme, based at Wallingford. He is a hydrogeologist with very broad interests in the area of environment geoscience. (more)

Dr Mike Patterson | Chief Operating Officer

Photograph of Dr Mike Patterson Dr Mike Patterson joined BGS as Chief Operating Officer on 1 April 2011. Mike comes with a variety of skills in business and operations at a senior level and at the same time understands the environmental sciences sector. (more)



Please note the new British Geological Survey Organogram is currently under construction and will become available when the change in structure has been finalised and the Science and Business areas confirmed.

Business Assurance
2 April 2013