Intelligence Officer FAQs

Being an IO can involve travelling or being posted to more challenging parts of the world, and meeting individuals whom others might be wary of. All this only happens after rigorous consideration of the risks involved and mitigations being put in place.  Before going on a posting, IOs receive training relevant to the destination.

No. There are no physical requirements to be an IO, and we welcome applications from those who have disabilities. We can help you stay healthy physically and mentally with our on-site gym and dedicated Wellbeing Team. Whilst the media portrayal of IOs would suggest that a certain level of physical ability is required, the reality is that the role is about human relationships, technology and critical thinking, rather than jumping out of helicopters. 

The majority of IOs are not firearms trained, and there is no expectation that IOs should carry firearms during their careers. The exception is where MI6 staff (not just IOs) apply for a posting to war zones and are required to carry firearms for self-protection. This only happens where staff are rigorously trained and regularly tested to ensure that they remain confident to use their firearms safely, and within the rules around their use.

Most IO roles are open on a part-time/flexible basis. On joining, IOs should expect training to be full time and their first role to be full time in the UK. Some roles, particularly overseas, will require IOs to work in the evenings or at weekends. Accommodation overseas is provided, as well as schooling and healthcare. There are a small number of postings where it would not be appropriate for families to travel but funding is allocated to ensure IOs do not spend too long apart from families.

IOs will need to find the balance between time working in London and taking the opportunity to be posted overseas at different points in their careers. As a result, IOs, and any accompanying family, will need to consider being flexible in spending some time overseas, normally for a 3-year tour, and then spending time back in the UK, before going overseas again. You will be able to apply for your first overseas posting around 2–3 years after joining. It’s best to keep an open mind.

Partners and families can accompany IOs on most postings, if they wish to. Dependent on their employment, partners may be able to work remotely for UK employers from workplaces overseas or may want to find employment locally. Some partners opt to take a time off for study and we may be able to provide grants to support these partners.

You choose the postings you apply for.  It must be remembered, however, that some of our posts overseas will have different cultures, and not all are as inclusive or diverse as we would hope.  Before you apply for a posting we have a full discussion about the opportunities, and the unique challenges, that could present themselves for individuals at all overseas posts.

Most IO roles are based in London or overseas. The sensitive nature of the work means that home working is not possible. 

Whilst there is no requirement for you to have language qualifications before you join, foreign languages are critical to MI6’s success. Those with developed skills in some languages, for example Mandarin, Russian, Arabic or Persian, are particularly encouraged to apply. For those roles requiring a high degree of language capability, we will place IOs full time in intensive language training to equip them to work in that language during their role/posting. 

We will offer candidates with a minimum of three years professional experience entry at a higher grade/salary if they are successful at the final stage Assessment Centre. This does not have to be continuous but cumulatively must total a minimum of 36 months.