What is vetting?
Working for MI6 means you will have access to sensitive government information, and to protect this information you will need the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). This is a process everyone in the UK Intelligence Community goes through – the process is designed to help us understand whether it's appropriate for you to have access to classified information, and it ensures we minimise any risks to you or us.
What does it involve?
As part of the DV process you will be asked to fill in detailed questionnaires, agree referees and attend an interview with a vetting officer. This is a thorough, compassionate and honest discussion with you about you as a person and your life experiences, to ensure holding DV clearance is right for you. We understand that everyone is different, so please don’t worry, it’s our differences and perspectives that make us who we are and make MI6 stronger.
The vetting officer will cover topics with you such as family, friends, finances, health, relationships and lifestyle. It may feel a little uncomfortable to speak about these things, but rest assured our vetting officers are trained to make the experience safe and as comfortable as possible.
Our commitment to you
At MI6, we are committed to treating all applicants equally, and with dignity and respect, whatever their background or circumstances. Our vetting officers are trained to a high standard. Any information obtained during the vetting process is treated in strict confidence and in line with our statutory obligations. Vetting information is held separately from recruitment information.
Vetting can be seen as a barrier to those joining MI6 from more diverse backgrounds. The fear of intrusion into your personal lives and the worry about its potential impact on your family are real concerns. We take these concerns seriously and assure you that your honesty during the process will be met with due care and concern for your wellbeing. We ensure that candidates undergoing vetting are treated impartially and consistently irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or disability.
Find out more about vetting by watching our short video
Watch our video to learn more about the vetting process at MI6.
Description not needed: The visuals in this video only support what is spoken; the visuals do not provide additional information.
The Developed Vetting Process. Sometimes called DV.
It’s something we do together.
Everyone in the UK intelligence services goes through it.
It’s thorough and it takes some time.
Our job is to understand whether Britain’s secrets will be safe with you.
To do this, we need to build an open and honest relationship with you.
And really get to know you as a whole person.
We understand that everyone is different. Nobody’s story is the same.
It’s our different perspectives and lived experiences that make us a stronger team. But a big part of keeping you and our organisation safe, is identifying and managing any risks that could make our secrets vulnerable.
When it comes to your vetting interview, we’re professional, discreet and compassionate.
Because you deserve nothing less.
We’re looking to understand you and your story in your own words. Everything that makes you who you are today.
We’ll want to hear about your early years. To where you are now.
Your hobbies, your mental health and your relationships.
We’ll want to know where you have been on holiday. Whether you’ve used drugs or drink alcohol.
We’ll ask you about your friends, your family, your finances, and everything in between.
We understand that some of these topics may feel intrusive. And they may well make you feel uncomfortable.
We’re trained to have these conversations, and we’ll work hard to create a safe space for you to tell us what we need to know.
It isn’t like a standard job interview.
There are no right or wrong answers.
All you need to do is be honest and be yourself.
You can ask us any questions and learn more about the responsibilities that come with having a DV clearance. To make sure it’s the right fit for you.
We take data protection seriously. You can be confident that we will keep your vetting information safe and secure, and access will be restricted to only those who need to know.
If your clearance is granted, this will be the beginning of a constructive relationship with vetting.
We’ll keep working with you to manage your clearance.
To protect your secrets and ours. From whatever the future may bring.
MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.
Discover more about how to apply
Eligibility
There are a few eligibility requirements you need to meet in order to be able to work for MI6. Find out more by visiting our Eligibility page.
Tips for applying
Read our page on tips for applying, where we offer tips on what you should do prior to your application, the interview and more.
