Equal opportunities
At GCHQ and MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking, and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce, such as women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment, and diversity on our websites:
Diversity and inclusion at GCHQ
Working at MI5
Were disability confident
GCHQ and MI5 are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWPs Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview, if it is practical for us to do so, (this is known as the Offer of an interview). To secure an interview for this role, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:
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You'll be required to reach the minimum pass mark for the online Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which assesses criteria important for all roles in our organisation
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Meet the minimum pass mark on how you have demonstrated your motivation for the role and the organisation. This is assessed through questions on the application form
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A demonstrable high level of Russian by achieving a pass in our language tests
Upon successful completion of these stages, you will be invited to an interview. This is your offer of interview.
There is a wide range of extra support available throughout the recruitment process to enable you to do your best. See our website for information on reasonable adjustments we can offer.
How to apply for GCHQ
Application process for MI5
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:
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An initial online application form including pre-screening questions to ensure you meet our eligibility criteria
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Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) in which you rate the appropriateness of responses to a series of short scenarios.
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Full online application form
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In-person language tests in either Manchester or London
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In-person interview in either Cheltenham, Manchester, or London
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If successful, you will receive a conditional offer to join the programme (subject to vetting)
Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process, including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until youve received your final internship offer.
Before you apply
To work at GCHQ and MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read more on our eligibility criteria for GCHQ and MI5.
This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). Its something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. Find out more about the vetting process for GCHQ and MI5.
Please note we have a strict drugs policy. Once you start your application, you cant take any recreational drugs, and youll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.
Before you apply, we advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you manage your application with us more securely.
The Language Talent Programme at GCHQ is based in Cheltenham or Manchester, or in London for MI5, so youll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs.
We offer reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for candidates attending in person appointments during the recruitment and vetting process. Full details will be provided with your interview or assessment invitation.
Reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, as amended from time to time. Candidates must book their own travel, using the most economical option, and provide original hardcopy receipts for reimbursement.
Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.
Right to withdraw statement
Please be aware that we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
