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Life at GCHQ

The freedom to be you

Our culture is all about giving you the right support, the right skills and the right working environment. While we’re all about teamwork, we also give you the freedom to achieve your own goals and to be yourself. Because with the right mix of minds, anything is possible.

1

Integrity

We’re professional and always work lawfully, ethically and impartially. It’s important for us to keep our promises, take ownership and remain accountable. While we’re transparent, we’re also here to protect the UK’s secrets.

2

Ingenuity

We’re creative in everything we do and have a passion for learning. It means we solve problems that others think impossible, constantly improve and dare to take risks. To do this, we make the best use of people, technology and tradecraft.

3

Impact

Serving UK interests, we improve the nation’s security and make a difference in all we do. We’re confident at making difficult decisions and often balance short-term delivery with building our future. 

4

Teamwork

We have a truly inclusive community spirit that helps us to reach across boundaries. We trust, support and care for each other, always valuing each other’s unique and diverse contributions. We inspire each other to be the best we can be.

Protecting the UK has its perks

We know you’ll work really hard, so that’s why we’ll give you lots of perks. Here are just some of the benefits you can expect. Depending on your role, you might even have a few more.

Generous holiday

We offer 25 days’ annual holiday (pro rata). This rises to 30 days once you’ve been here for 5 years. Plus, you’ll have 10.5 extra days for public and privilege holidays.

Family friendly

If you’re eligible, you could receive up to 6 months’ full maternity pay, and 2 weeks’ paternity pay. We also encourage shared parental leave and will support you along your journey – no matter if this is pregnancy or adoption.

Competitive pension

You’ll also get a really competitive pension plan – so you won’t just develop your career, you’ll secure your future.

Flexible working

Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of flexi-time. So you’ll usually have a say in when you work. And if you end up doing extra, you’ll easily be able to take that time back.

Excellent facilities

Depending on which site you join, you can take advantage of things like a gym, restaurant and even several shops.

Explore our world

We want to give you an insight into how some of our offices look and sound. Take a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to work here.

Diversity & inclusion

We’re really proud to work with a huge range of people who all have different mindsets. In fact, celebrating a mix of minds is at the heart of our culture. That’s why we have facilities like prayer rooms at most of our sites. Discover more about our affinity groups, awards, the initiatives we have in place and how we champion diversity and inclusion at every level of GCHQ.

Visit our Diversity & inclusion page

Learning & development

No matter your level of experience, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and develop your talent. You might go on dedicated courses, shadow other teams or work towards a recognised qualification. It’s how we keep up with evolving threats, emerging tech and best practice.

From day one, you’ll have amazing support and training. In fact, when you join, you’ll be assigned a ‘buddy’ to help you get to grips with everything. You might also have a mentor who will help to drive your personal and professional development. Plus, we’ll encourage you to use your volunteering leave and help other people. We’re all focused on helping our communities, so we’re always looking for bigger and better ways to support others. With the freedom to shape your own development, you – and those around you – will thrive.

Meet the team