MI6 turns to Peterborough in search of high calibre agents

Peterborough (England) has attracted the attention of MI6 officers looking for high calibre staff. Today, in the first regional newspaper interview ever obtained with the service, Andrew Papworth looks at what it takes to get in and lays some myths about the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) to rest.

Competition for the role of James Bond in the movies is always hot, and actor Daniel Craig was up against stiff competition before being handed Pierce Brosnan's tuxedo.

Getting a job with intelligence agency MI6 in real life is likely to prove to be just as daunting for potential candidates, despite the cloak of secrecy which has always surrounded the organisation being lifted.

Unlike the world of films, becoming an agent with MI6 does not involve proving you have the ability to ski and shoot a gun at the same time, ride a motorbike off a rooftop, drive an Aston Martin flat out on sheet ice, or use a variety of lethal gadgets provided by Q from his armoury of explosive toys.

No, in today's world your entry into the world of espionage will probably begin in a very mundane way with an application through the MI6 website.

Then, likely recruits will have to overcome the nervous anticipation of an interview at the Service's famous building by the Thames – and a lot of unanswered questions.

The secret nature of MI6 means a lot of what goes on can never be spoken about in public and is bound by the Official Secrets Act.

The Bond films, and revelations from past officers, mean there are a whole series of myths about the service in the public domain.

However, as MI6 looks to reach a wider pool of talent and attract new and enthusiastic employees, recruitment officers are planning for a much more open future.

The recent launch of a new website by the Service, marks an end to the old recruiting style of personal contacts in universities, and a beginning to MI6 integrating itself more with the general public.

Today, an SIS recruitment liaison officer, who cannot be named for security reasons, gave a flavour of what goes on behind the scenes at MI6 HQ in Vauxhall, London.

She said: "A job with MI6 should appeal to anyone looking for a friendly, interesting and challenging working environment.

"Although a lot of it is administrative and office work, it deals with subjects of national importance in an international context."

In today's technology-filled world, people who want a job with MI6 have to start with a visit to the service's website.

They send in a CV to a secure PO Box address posted on the website and wait to hear back for news. Surprisingly, it can be relatively simple to have a CV accepted by the Service.

The liaison officer said: "We are just looking for basic information on a CV to let us know if an individual has the skills and experience we need for the different jobs."

At this stage, the service is just looking to check things such as age, as all applicants have to be at least 21, and nationality.

All people who join MI6 have to be British, meaning people with dual nationalities have to give up their nationality in favour of a British passport. Foreign nationals cannot be accepted.

The liaison officer said: "Everyone we take has to be vetted, which, we hope, reassures the public. We need to know who they are and what they do to make sure they are right for the job."

After that, the serious business of recruiting begins. Those who have their CVs approved get sent an application form so the service can find out more information about them.

The application form contains basic details about family and background, but more attention is paid to questions about the skills needed for the different jobs, such as ability to deal with people, teamworking and adaptability.

Those who impress the dedicated recruitment officers, who are looking for staff at all levels, are invited to sit tests to see if they have what it takes to make the grade. Those who fit the bill are then given a job to match their skills.

Interviewees who land a coveted job, then go on to training programmes which teach them the skills required for their specific jobs.

The liaison officer said: "There is continual training throughout people's careers in the service. There's always an induction programme, but training can be topped up at any stage.

"Staff are encouraged to look at what they need to develop their careers and to take control of their own training, though there are some things we expect them to do."
What happens after that could take a recruit along any number of different routes.

Whether you take one of the linguist places currently available, or a position as an IT expert, the daily routine will mainly involve work behind a desk at MI6 headquarters.

However, people are expected to be keen on the adventure of travel and know what is going on in the world. Some staff will be expected to work abroad, often living in foreign countries for several years at a time.

In some cases, people may be asked to go out to hotspots such as Iraq and Afghanistan for their work. The officer said: "People can expect to spend time overseas, but the Service takes its staff safety and security very seriously."

She said: "We have a lot of letters from people wanting to do their bit for their country, that has always been the positive idea – working towards a common goal for all of the UK."

To apply for a position with MI6 send a CV and covering letter to PO Box 1301, London, SE1 5UD.

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