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 have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The Role
To enable our people to do vitally important work in a safe and secure environment, we use various physical security measures to deter, detect and delay those wanting to disrupt or cause harm. Security Officers play a key part in that work. It is an exciting time to be joining us as we are actively working with our partners within British Intelligence to align our security response. This could lead to exciting opportunities in the future for successful candidates.
Working within a highly motivated team in a unique environment, you will be a reassuring presence to all. You’ll conduct a full range of duties that include the monitoring and operation of our security systems, ensuring those entering our premises have their identification verified and that our search and patrolling protocols are strictly followed. From searching vehicles to checking CCTV, you’ll keep accurate logs of activity – and an eye out for anything unusual.
About You
We are looking for individuals with good customer service and communication skills, who can analyse a situation and make informed decisions. These skills could have been gained in a number of different ways – a previous background in security is not essential. We’re after people who thrive in a team environment but are also comfortable working autonomously. You’ll be observant and aware of your surroundings and able to remain calm under pressure in fast-paced situations, such as during emergency response or security incidents.
Please note that a UK Driver’s license is required for the roles based at Bude and Scarborough.
Shift patterns
Our 24-hour officers typically work a 12-hour shift pattern comprising 2 days and 2 nights. This will include: 2 day shifts (covering 07:00-19:00 including an hour’s unpaid meal break), 2 night shifts (covering 19:00-07:00 including an hour’s unpaid meal break) and 4 days off.
Our Extended Day Officers typically work Monday to Friday. Each week you will work a different shift pattern of either 07:00 – 15:00, or 11:00 – 19:00.
Training and Development
At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that is designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we’ll enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.
It is not essential to have a background working in security, as training will be provided. We’ll provide you with suitable tailored and ongoing training which will include Security Industry Accredited courses, covering areas such as CCTV, and training in Emergency First Aid at Work.
Basic IT skills, including the ability to use e-mail, the internet and MS Word will be required.
Rewards and Benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £26,587 or £31,135 depending on the package you take, plus other benefits including:
- 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Excellent pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities
At GCHQ, 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 an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/life-at-gchq/diversity-inclusion.html
We're Disability Confident
GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s 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. Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a person-to-person interview to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled and meets the essential criteria for the role. This is our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI). To secure an interview for this vacancy, the essential criteria (in order of application process) are:
- Eligibility questions – You will be asked a series of questions. If you meet the eligibility criteria you will directed to the initial application form.
- Application form –You will be asked a series of SJT (Situational Judgement Test) questions, as well as questions relating to this vacancy. You will be required to meet the minimum pass mark set.
- On successful completion of these stages, you will be invited to complete a virtual Interview.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage of the process, in order:
- Eligibility Sift
- Application Sift
- Virtual Interview
- Drugs Test
- Vetting
Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process in order to progress to the next stage. You application may take 6 - 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.
Before You Apply
To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here.
This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here.
Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.
The roles are based in Manchester, Scarborough or Bude so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application.
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 withhold 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.