Vetting Officers Development Programme

Job title: Vetting Officers Development Programme * Locations: London, Cheltenham and Manchester * Salary: London £43,957, Cheltenham and Manchester £41,795 Flexible working: the first five weeks of the programme is full time, then for the remainder of the 13 month programme, a minimum of four days per week is required. Due to the nature of the role there is limited hybrid working but after the 13 month programme, a range of working patterns are possible including flexi-time, part-time and compressed hours. 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. As a Vetting Officer (VO), you’ll manage risks that might make our work vulnerable and identify individuals who could pose a threat to national security. Empathetic, conscientious and resilient, with great attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills, you’ll conduct in-depth personal interviews with those seeking the highest levels of security clearance and help us build a diverse and talented workforce while helping to keep the UK safe. You’ll join us on our 13-month Vetting Officer Development Programme. This tailored programme is designed to give you all the training and knowledge you need to succeed, from our vetting frameworks and processes to interviewing and report-writing skills. You’ll be placed in a supportive team and get plenty of support from your mentor and line manager as you manage a caseload, so you won’t be working alone. And once qualified, you’ll be expected to stay in the role for four years – growing your skills and experience, with promotion opportunities and shaping a great career. You don’t need any specific qualifications to join. You’ll be naturally curious and have a real interest in people. Some interviews could last up to six hours, so you’ll know how to sustain a conversation, stay alert and dig deeper to address any gaps or inconsistencies. Importantly, you’ll demonstrate sensitivity to the practices, cultures and beliefs of others, and be able to put others at ease and encourage conversation. The development programme will provide you with all the training and support you need to succeed. You’ll also attend regular sessions and workshops to further your knowledge and skills, as well as learning from and networking with guest speakers, and other vetting officers. You’ll have access to a range of benefits including 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after five years), an interest-free season ticket loan, paid parental and adoption leave, and access to our on-site facilities including a gym and restaurant. We also offer a range of working patterns, including part-time and compressed hours. We’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that's designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. We value and nurture talent, and we're committed to helping you fulfil your potential and feel confident bringing your whole self to work. We’re proud to have a range of thriving and active affinity networks run by staff that champion awareness around ethnic minority, gender, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ and more. There’s also a number of sports, activity and social groups to help you meet new people. This is a great opportunity to build a career somewhere your people skills and desire to learn are valued. To find out more and apply, please click apply. At MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website. To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website