Flexible Working: During your initial 9-month training period, you'll need to commit to full-time hours, Monday to Friday (37 hours per week). However, after this period you may be able to adjust your hours. We offer flexitime, part time, job-share and compressed hours. Please note, due to the nature of the work, this role is fully office-based.
Get ready to apply
We’re currently accepting registrations of interest for our Intelligence and Data Analyst opportunities before the application window opens on Thursday 16 July 2026 at 4pm. This programme attracts significant interest, so we may only be open for a very short time. Please plan to apply as soon as the window opens.
About us
At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
This role can be done in a choice of locations, including working with the National Cyber Force (NCF) in Samlesbury. Established in 2020, the NCF is responsible for operating in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt and contest those who would do harm to the UK or its allies, to keep the country safe and protect and promote the UK’s interests at home and abroad. While the existence of NCF is not a secret, its people are, and discretion is vital.
The role
Take a moment to reflect on what’s brought you here – maybe it's your need to know more? Or your desire to explore something new in your career? Either way, you’ve already shown you’ve got the kind of curiosity we look for in an Intelligence Data Analyst. Now, what would that mean for you?
Well, it could mean joining a team who have helped prevent multiple terrorist attacks in a single year, has responded to a major North Korean cyber-attack, and whose intelligence has strengthened Ukraine’s cyber capabilities. That’s just some of the vital work our analysts do at GCHQ, and now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.
As an Intelligence Data Analyst, you’ll have a privileged insight, supporting real world-events and seeing behind the news headlines as you work. Using bespoke technology, you’ll gather information from different sources and use your analytical skills to make sense of it. It’s like putting together a puzzle, with pieces scattered across the digital landscape. Sometimes, you’ll discover the answer you’re looking for. Other times, you’ll have to go down a few rabbit holes to find out more; but that’s where the excitement lies. It’s an exciting opportunity to work in a rapidly changing technological environment, where no two days are the same.
Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, your skills and potential are what we value here. That’s why to help you develop in your role, we’ll provide a comprehensive training and development programme led by tutors and mentors. Once this training period is complete, you’ll have the option of flexible hours, so you can shape work around your life.
You don’t need a degree, or any previous experience to apply for this role. All that’s needed is a Level 2 (GCSE-equivalent) qualification in English Language and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
So, if you’re the type of person to tackle a challenge by asking who, what, when, where, why, we’d like to hear from you.
The application window for Intelligence Data Analysts will open at 4pm on Thursday 16 July 2026. In the meantime, we encourage:
- All those from an ethnic minority background *
- Women (of any background) *
to register their interest in this forthcoming opportunity.
As part of the registration of interest, you’ll be invited to some online events prior to the campaign opening. These will be virtual insight events where you can find out more about our organisation and the role. We’re also offering an application and interview guidance event which will provide general tips about completing a job application, preparing for interview etc. These events will last for approximately 1 hour and will take place on:
Virtual Insight Events
Wednesday 15 July 2026 (at 12pm and 6pm)
Application and Interview Guidance Event
Thursday 16 July 2026 (at 2pm)
- Please note that we are confining registrations of interest to the above groups only, due to their current under-representation in our workforce.
A registration of interest does not constitute a job application, nor will such registration have any bearing upon the recruitment process itself.
Any individuals who register their interest and who decide subsequently to apply for our Intelligence Data Analyst roles will need to complete an application form once the window for applications has opened.
Once the application window has opened, we will welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of their ethnic background, gender, disability, and/or any other characteristic(s). All applications will be assessed solely on merit.
