GCHQ is one of the UK’s intelligence services, working with MI5 and MI6 to advise and inform customers in Government, the armed forces and enforcement services. Helping counter terrorism, military conflict and both organised and cybercrime, our particular remit covers the:
> Gathering and analysis of electronic and digital intelligence
> Protection of Britain’s mission critical IT infrastructure
With over 5,000 people – mainly at our HQ in Cheltenham - ours is a large and complex business with operations in both ‘front-line’ activities (such as intelligence analysis, code-breaking and technology), as well as corporate support, including finance and purchasing and supply. This in-depth programme is designed to develop people capable of leading teams and projects in any of these disciplines. In fact, most of our leaders move postings every three years, so we’re careful to identify people with all-round talents, and then fine-tune their skills through a blended mix of development. Over recent years, a number of our Directors have followed this route, and we fully expect graduates entering this scheme to progress into a senior leadership role. Typically lasting six years, the programme includes:
>> Increasingly challenging placements in various areas of our business, giving you practical experience and a ‘bigger picture’ insight into our work
>> Formal development opportunities. Individually tailored to you, these could include specific leadership or technical training
>> Individual mentoring and supervision, plus a ‘buddy’ system > Liaison with (and shadowing) a wide range of people within GCHQ, across the Intelligence services in general, and also with our external customers.
This isn’t a fast-track programme, but it’s thorough, intensive and demands a high degree of commitment.
