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It’s the adapting. It’s the reacting.
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.
We carry out some of the most unique and rewarding tasks: like mobile surveillance. In fact, our Mobile Surveillance Officers (MSOs) are key to our mission.
Our MSOs are trained to watch our subjects of interest who are known to MI5 for various reasons. You’ll gather information that technology can’t, spotting everything from out-of-character behaviours, to changes in body language. Where you are and what you’ll do depends on who you are following and why. You’ll blend into different environments, adapt to changing circumstances, and pay close attention to detail.
The role is varied and you’ll never know what you’ll be presented with each day, which is why we provide dedicated training to support you. We’ll teach you everything you need to know and an experienced officer will be assigned to mentor you for your first six months. Plus, you’ll have the support of your wider team and manager right from day one.
Please note, if you’re successful in the recruitment and vetting processes, you’ll be invited to take part in a non-residential, full-time 18-week training course based in London. You’ll need to pass this to become an MSO – so, if you can’t commit to this course, we’d ask that you carefully consider proceeding with an application.
You don’t need any specific experience to be an MSO. It’s all about adapting to different situations, working in a team, as well as being resilient and ready to learn. If you hold a full UK driving licence, can learn to navigate between two points using an A-to-Z style road map, and enjoy being part of a team, you could become an MSO: our eyes and ears on the streets. Please note, your application may take around 12-24+ months to process (subject to training course availability) including vetting, so we advise you continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.
Due to the nature of the work, we have certain physical requirements that’ll ensure you’re suitable for the role. Any distinguishing features (such as prominent hand, face or neck tattoos) could make you recognisable to someone under surveillance. Male candidates will need to be 6’2” or under and females must be 5’10” or under. Additionally, you’ll undertake a Fitness for Role medical and have your eyesight and hearing will tested during the recruitment process. You must pass these tests to continue with your application; you can find a full list of our requirements on our website.
At MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
To find out more and apply, please visit our website.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website: www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs
