How to apply

Before you apply

We advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us, to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you to securely manage your application with us.

Discretion

Owing to the sensitivity of our work, discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application with anyone, other than with your partner or a close family member. You should also make them aware of the importance of discretion. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage. You will receive further guidance during the recruitment process.

Cover

Every applicant will receive bespoke cover advice (what you may consider telling family and friends) throughout the recruitment process. Should you be successful in joining MI6 you will be given a full briefing on the reasons why it is important not to disclose that you work here, and what to say if people ask you or your family about your career.

Overseas travel advice

If you are considering applying to MI6, please be aware we would strongly advise that you do not book new travel to Russia, Belarus, China (including Hong Kong), North Korea or Iran, or use any airline owned by these countries. We would also advise that you do not transit through these countries. Travel to or through these countries can impact vetting outcomes. If travel is already booked, please contact the recruitment team.  

Working for us means that there will be countries that you should not travel to for the duration of your employment. Advice not to travel to these countries may extend beyond employment. You will receive more information on this if you receive a Conditional Offer of Employment.

Reasonable adjustments

As a Disability Confident leader, we are committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout the recruitment process, so everyone feels comfortable and supported, and able to do their best. 

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, have a long-term health condition, or require reasonable adjustments for any other reason, please let us know.

The support available

There is a wide range of support available, including: 

• Providing extra time
• Adjusting room set-up
• Changing the colour of printed documents
• Providing flexible interview times for those with caring responsibilities
• Providing private space for prayer and expressing breast milk

You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. We will do our best to accommodate and support you at every stage.  

Requesting reasonable adjustments

When requesting an adjustment, please let us know the following information to help us assess your request: 

• What it is about the recruitment process you believe disadvantages you and why
• What adjustment(s) you require

If you are unsure how to answer these questions, please let us know and we will do our best to help you.  

We'll support you throughout the process

You might not know if/when you need adjustments, so we’ll provide prompts at stages throughout the process to ensure you have the help and support you need, when you need it. Simply let us know, and we’ll support you.  

Should you be offered a role with us, we’ll make sure to confirm with you any requirements you may need in the workplace, so that it becomes an environment where you can excel – and where your only focus will be the mission. 

Reimbursement of travel costs

To reduce financial barriers for candidates, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, we can offer the reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses to attend in-person appointments during the recruitment and vetting process. By covering costs for travel, and in limited cases accommodation, we aim to ensure all applicants feel encouraged to apply, regardless of financial circumstances. 

Reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, as amended from time to time. This policy will be shared with candidates via the invitation to interview or assessment. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel using the most economical options and must provide original hardcopy receipts for reimbursements.  

Medical devices and assistive technology

Our organisation values inclusivity and is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader. Due to our stringent security protocols, there may be restrictions on the use of certain medical devices and assistive technologies within our premises. We endeavour to accommodate all employees, however, there may be instances where specific arrangements cannot be made.

We will discuss any workplace adjustments, including the use of medical devices and assistive technologies, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Thank you for your understanding.