Diversity and MI6
MI6 is an outward looking organisation. Our curiosity about other cultures and traditions is essential to our mission. Our organisation needs to reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Having a diverse workforce gives us the differing perspectives and mindsets that are vital to our success. Having a range of voices makes our decisions more effective and creates a safe and inclusive environment.
We strive for diversity and inclusion in MI6 because it allows us to attract, retain and harness the very best of British talent so we can keep the UK and its citizens safe. We want to fully represent the glorious diversity of the nation we serve, and that diversity helps us do a better job.
Our commitment
Our strategy
We are committed to ensuring our culture reflects the nation we serve and our organisation’s values. Our Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy sets out how we plan to continue to take action and do better as an organisation. Our strategy focuses on:
- Attracting and recruiting diverse talent at all levels
- Fostering talent by removing barriers and increasing opportunities at all levels
- Improving inclusion by encouraging sustainable cultural change
- Encouraging accountable leadership and management
We encourage all of our people to play their part in our strategy – this needs to be a collective endeavour where we all, regardless of seniority, take responsibility and in turn feel the benefits of a truly diverse and inclusive working environment.
External benchmarking organisations
MI6 is proud to be members of and recognised by a number of external benchmarking organisations:
- Stonewall Diversity Champions programme
- Social Mobility Foundation Employee Index Top 75 Employer
- Disability Confident Leader
- The Prince’s Responsible Business Network Race at Work Charter signatory
I assumed you had to be white, middle-class and have an Oxbridge education. Instead, my parents weren’t born in this country and I went to an inner London secondary school. I applied anyway, and it turns out that ignoring my misconceptions was definitely the best career decision I made.
What do we offer?
We support our diverse workforce in a number of ways. Take a look at what we offer below:
Affinity Groups and Staff Networks
These are run by staff who support their members, raise awareness of the issues inside and outside of the organisation, and hold MI6 senior leaders to account on your behalf.
Flexible working
While we are unable to offer home working due to the sensitive nature of our work, we have various flexible working options such as variable start/finish times, compressed hours, part-time working, remote working (depending on sensitivity of project) and job sharing.
Career support and development opportunities
You will be able to develop your skills in a number of directions, no matter your area of expertise or chosen career path. There are varied training opportunities open to all staff, and we offer specific opportunities targeted at underrepresented groups. Whether it’s through mentoring, coaching, sponsorship or specific operational training, we help our staff to reach their full potential.
Summer Internship Programme
This is jointly run with MI5 and GCHQ and is specifically designed to attract those from ethnic minorities and lower socio-economic groups who wouldn’t normally consider a career with MI6.
Summer Intelligence Internship
