Intelligence Officer Development Programme (IODP)

MI5 - The Security Service

London, UK

On-Site

Expires: Expiring in less than 3 weeks

Full time

£40,428 per year

Job summary

Flexible working: throughout most of the six-year programme, you’ll be able to benefit from flexitime and compressed hours, subject to business need. However, during Stage 2 (the nine-week period of assessed training modules) you will need to follow fixed full-time hours (36 hours per week). Remote, hybrid or home working are not possible in this role.

Get ready to apply

We’re currently accepting registrations of interest for our Intelligence Officer Development Programme (IODP) before the application window opens on Monday23 March 2026 at10am. This programme attracts significant interest and may close within a few hours, so please plan to apply as soon as the window opens.

About us

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.

Job description

About the programme

Intelligence Officers (IOs) lead investigations that disrupt threats and protect lives. Because it’s a complex role, no one steps into it overnight. The Intelligence Officer Development Programme (IODP) is a structured six‑year pathway designed to build your skills, confidence and experience to become a fully trained IO.

You don’t need Intelligence experience. We’re looking for transferable skills such as problem‑solving, curiosity, adaptability and sound judgement. You could be changing careers, an undergraduate currently working towards a degree, or someone who already holds a degree (or equivalent such as a Level 6 or 7 apprenticeship) in any subject and is ready to start your career with purpose. This programme will teach you everything you need to know to take on a role at the very heart of UK Intelligence.

Across the six-year programme, you will:

begin with a posting in a non-investigative area, gaining essential knowledge of MI5's mission, partners and ways of working (18 to 24 months)
complete two assessed training modules which you must pass to gain investigator accreditation (nine weeks)
move into two IO postings, in our Counter-Terrorism or Counter-Espionage teams, developing your investigative skills while collaborating with specialist operational teams though IOs themselves don’t carry out fieldwork (minimum four years)

You’ll be supported throughout by mentors, development partners and colleagues, and be part of a friendly cohort that learns and develops together.

Person specification

Register your interest

Before applications open on Monday 23 March, we’re inviting people from Black, Asian or other ethnic minority backgrounds to register their interest, as these groups are currently under‑represented in our workforce.

As part of the registration of interest, eligible candidates will be invited to online events before the application window opens. These include virtual insight and skills events to learn more about the organisation and role. These events last approximately one hour each:

Virtual Insight Events

Wednesday 18 March 2026, at 1pm and 5pm. The content will be the same across both sessions, so you only need to attend one

Virtual Skills Event

Thursday 19 March 2026 at 1pm

Once the registration of interest has closed, eligible candidates will receive an email with event invitations and joining details.

Please note, registering your interest does not constitute a job application and has no impact on the recruitment process. Anyone who registers their interest and then decides to apply, will need to complete an application form once the application window opens.

When applications open on Monday23 March at 10am, we welcome applications from all eligible candidates. All applications are assessed solely on merit.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Before you register

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, there are some eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet (as well as some recommendations we’d make to aid your registration and any future application). You will need to:

be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read more on our eligibility criteria
if successful at the end of the recruitment process, undergo Developed Vetting and comply with our no drugs policy. Learn more about the vetting process
familiarise yourself with our guidance on the use of AI in applications, on our application process page
complete your registration, application and all recruitment processes from within the UK

This programme is based in London, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider the financial and practical implications before registering your interest or applying. A relocation loan is available to support those moving to London.

We recommend using a different email address (without identifying details) for your contact with us. This will help keep your personal and application correspondence separate, and more secure. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Select ‘Submit’ to register your interest.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Salary range

£40,428 per year