GCHQ is one of the UK's three intelligence services, alongside MI5 and MI6. The only one based outside London — in Cheltenham — it has two very specific roles in helping counter threats which compromise national and global security.
The first is to gather and analyse intelligence, using some of the world's most powerful technology, which helps shape Britain's response to global events. Teams of IT, electronics and telecommunications specialists manage the equipment, while mathematicians, linguists and intelligence analysts study and interpret the information it provides. This information is then used by customers — for example, the Government, law enforcement agencies and the military — to inform foreign policy or fight terrorism and crime.
The second is to provide technical advice for the protection of Government communication and information systems. This specialist work is the responsibility of CESG — The National Technical Authority for Information Assurance.
In both, the focus is on keeping one step ahead of people who are, in turn, trying to keep one step ahead of GCHQ. This means the work is constantly evolving, extremely challenging, and always interesting. GCHQ employs around 5,000 people — mainly in Cheltenham — and recruits graduates from various disciplines into entry level roles in a huge range of operational and support functions.
While the work is totally unique, the skills — and professional qualifications — graduates gain will be industry standard, and transferable. Everyone benefits from personalised training, mentoring and shadowing. Applicants must be British citizens.