Nationality & Security
As our work is all about protecting British interests, the first and most important thing to remember is, you have to be a British citizen to work for GCHQ.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
Clearly, we do not wish to place candidates in a potentially compromising situation relating to matters of conscience or impartiality. Our policies are designed to protect both you, and GCHQ.
GCHQ NATIONALITY, RESIDENCY & SECURITY RULES
BACKGROUND
All civil servants owe duties of confidentiality and loyal service to the Crown. GCHQ, as one of the UK's intelligence services, has particular nationality, residency and security requirements, which are more stringent than other Civil Service Departments. It is for this reason that, in line with central Government policy, GCHQ conducts enquiries into the character, family history and personal circumstances of candidates before they can be employed. It is for the protection of both the individual and GCHQ assets that we consider the risk of an individual being placed in a potentially compromising position in relation to matters of conscience or undue influence if employed by GCHQ.
To be considered for a position in GCHQ, you must meet the following criteria:
NATIONALITY
A) You must be a British citizen (but see Note 1 below)
B) One of your parents must also be a British citizen or have substantial ties with the United Kingdom or, if deceased, have had such citizenship or ties before death (see Note 2 below)
General Guidance on spouses & cohabitees:
A candidate married to or cohabiting with a person who is not a British citizen remains eligible for employment at the discretion of the Department. Candidates should note that marriage to, or cohabitation with, a person who is not a British citizen after appointment may, in some circumstances, result in withdrawal of security clearance and transfer to another Department, or (if this is not possible or the officer does not wish to transfer) dismissal. Each case will be considered on its merits, taking into account the ties between the person involved and the United Kingdom.
RESIDENCY
Candidates for employment at GCHQ must normally have been resident in the UK for 10 years prior to the date of their application. You may nonetheless be considered if (for example):
- You have been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Govt.
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with your parents
In such cases, you must be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas.
The duration of your residence overseas and the country in which you lived will also be relevant.
Note 1: If you hold dual nationality, one component of which is British, you will nonetheless be considered. If successful, you will normally be required to give up your non-British nationality as a condition of your confirmation of appointment to GCHQ.
Note 2: For this purpose a person has "substantial ties" if:
A) that person holds citizenship of a British Dependent Territory, is a British Overseas Citizen, holds citizenship of the Commonwealth, holds the status of a British protected person, holds the status of a British National Overseas, holds EEA nationality, or citizenship of the United States of America.
AND
B) that person has a demonstrable connection with the United Kingdom by way of family history or period of residence in, or other service to, the United Kingdom.
SECURITY
To ensure your suitability for appointment you will have to undergo a rigorous security clearance. As part of this a criminal records check will be conducted and you will be drugs tested. You will also be asked to complete a medical and several detailed Developed Vetting questionnaires. If you do not meet the Developed Vetting requirements for the job, or fail to disclose any security related issues or concerns, you will not be considered for employment.
It is unlikely we will consider you for a position in GCHQ if you:
- Have used Class A drugs (e.g. ecstasy, cocaine, etc) in the last 12 months.
- Have used Class B/C drugs (e.g. amphetamines, cannabis, etc) in the last 6 months.
- Are currently being treated for an addiction (e.g. alcohol, gambling, etc) or have received such treatment in the last 12 months.
- Have ever suffered from manic depression or schizophrenia.
- Are currently bankrupt or the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA).
Also, please remember what GCHQ is - an intelligence agency - if you wish to apply for a position here you must limit those you tell about your application to your immediate family (parents and/or siblings) and your partner.
Note: In order to obtain Developed Vetting Security Clearance, you must be 18 or over at the time of entry.
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