The Security Service’s main responsibility is to protect national security and the economic well-being of the country, and to support the police and other law enforcement agencies in their work against serious crime.

Main areas of work for Security Service personnel include: anti-terrorism (national and international); anti-espionage; serious crime prevention; and counter-proliferation – the disruption of attempts to acquire materials, technology and expertise which could be used to develop chemical, biological or nuclear weapons programmes.

They also advise on protective security for key national infrastructure such as power, water and transport systems.

There is a wide variety of roles within the service, including:

Surveillance officers observe and report on the movements and actions of those under investigation. Often trained in a specialist role, officers work in teams and liaise with the police or other agencies, and may provide evidence in court. Work can be on a mobile or static basis.

Security service generalists (graduate entrants), who may also be known as desk officers, operate in teams and assess and investigate threats in one of the areas mentioned above. Identifying targets from intelligence data, they decide on the most appropriate method to conduct an investigation. Later in their careers, they may also be involved in policy work, training other staff and a variety of other roles (see the Security Services' websites in Further Information).

Linguists work within the Service’s language unit. They translate and transcribe incoming intelligence information, and interpret its political and cultural context. The information may be classed as secret and take the form of intercepted telephone calls, emails or post.

Developed vetting investigation officers carry out the security vetting of new staff, and also review security clearances of existing employees. They produce written reports from their findings and make recommendations.

IT specialists providing protection and IT support to the government’s computer systems, networks and communication systems. Posts exist within applications management, communications networks, development, integration and testing, quality management, service desk, security, server management and telecommunications engineering.

The Security Service also employs people in a wide range of support roles. These include administrative positions, security guards, building maintenance and services personnel, and other technician roles. For more information on these roles visit the careers website in Further Information.

Hours and Environment

Many surveillance and some investigative and support roles involve working a shift rota, which can include weekends. Additional hours may also be required during certain operations. This may be followed by periods of inactivity during quieter times.

Most positions are based in London. Some roles can involve travel on a national or international basis. Administrative and generalist jobs typically involve working in an office environment, and are more likely to be daytime hours.

Skills and Interests

To work for the Security Service you should:

• be open to new ideas and ways of working
• be decisive but also flexible
• have initiative but also be able to work in a team
• have excellent communication skills
• have the ability to recall and record events accurately
• have balanced judgement
• be aware of your own self/career development
• have the ability to see a job through from start to finish.

Entry

You will need to meet specific residency and nationality requirements. See the Security Service website for more information. All applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 60; specific roles may have their own age requirements.

Surveillance Officers are not required to have formal academic entry qualifications, although GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent grades may be preferred. For this role, the Service also prefers applicants to be of average appearance and build for example not to be taller than 1.73 metres for women and 1.80 metres for men. A full driving licence is required for this role.

Generalists are normally expected to hold a 2:1 degree or equivalent; there are no subject preferences. Applicants are considered with lesser qualifications if they have three years work experience relevant to the role.

Entry requirements for a degree are usually five GCSEs (A-C)/ S grades (1-3), and two A levels/ three H grades, or equivalent qualifications.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Linguists’ roles require no formal entry requirements. Your language ability is tested as part of the application process. Preferred languages include Arabic, North African Arabic, Sorani, Russian, Bengali, Urdu, Persian, Somali and Chinese (Mandarin).

Development vetting investigation officer posts do not require any formal entry requirements. Recruitment is based on personal qualities and work experience.

Information technology roles require candidates to pass the service’s IT test. Applicants are recruited with varying levels of IT ability and work experience.

For entry to administrative and clerical roles, you need to have at least two years relevant experience.

Training

All new staff attend an initial induction for familiarisation with the Security Service which last for up to eight days. Most roles involve on-the-job training and programmes of self development.

Generalist/Graduate - entrants at this level undertake a two-year development programme, which is a mixture of on-the-job and in-house training courses. Entrants are supported though the programme by a mentor and line manager.

Surveillance officers have to complete a 75-day course that tests mental and physical ability. Recruits must pass this phase to continue employment. Further professional training is then provided. It can take two years to be fully competent in surveillance roles. It is possible to receive specialist training in photography or technical roles.

Linguists’ training includes a mix of work and classroom based training programmes, including learning to use specialist language centre equipment.

All Service personnel are encouraged to undertake further internal or external training courses.

Opportunities

The Security Service employs approximately 2,200 people, with the majority being employed on a full-time basis, based mainly in London. Generalist staff account for around 67 per cent of the workforce.

Opportunities for promotion exist across the Service and are based on performance, ability and potential.

The Security Service has recently embarked on a national recruitment campaign, with plans to have 3,200 employees by 2008. For current vacancies and information on how to apply please visit the Security Service careers website below.

Annual Income

Salaries vary according to the role; figures are intended as a general guide.

Administrative assistants earn around £16,000 a year.
Starting salaries for generalists, surveillance officers and linguists are usually around £22,000 a year.

Further information