Flexible Working
During your initial nine‑month training period you will commit to full‑time hours, Monday to Friday (37 hours per week). After that period you may adjust your hours. We offer flexitime, part time, job‑share and compressed hours. The role is fully office‑based.
Expected Start Dates
Between July and September 2027.
About Us
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats, working with MI5 and MI6 to protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage. The role offers varied, interesting work within a supportive, inclusive environment that emphasises teamwork.
The role can be based at several locations, including the National Cyber Force (NCF) in Samlesbury. The NCF operates across cyberspace to counter, disrupt and contest those who could threaten the UK or its allies, protecting the UK’s interests at home and abroad.
The Role
As an Intelligence Data Analyst you will support real‑world events and gain unique insight into what happens behind the news headlines. You will gather information from a variety of sources, including high volumes of data from internet‑connected devices, and use your analytical and interpretive skills to synthesize this information. Your work may involve short or long‑term projects, finding and tracking adversaries and using analysis to inform foreign policy, law enforcement and national security.
About You
You enjoy making sense of complex information and asking questions. Curiosity drives you to investigate further, and you are resilient and persistent. You are eager to learn new things, including emerging technologies, and you do not need a technical background. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who offer diverse perspectives.
No degree or previous experience is required. All that matters is a Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) qualification in English Language and Maths at Grade 4/C or above. A higher qualification is welcome but not essential.
Training and Development
You will start your training in the Comprehensive Analysis Development Programme, which begins immediately after induction. This bespoke programme is designed for new entrants with no intelligence data analysis experience. You will train in a classroom and on‑the‑job with tutors, mentors and colleagues, gaining exposure to real‑life problems.
Rewards and Benefits
You will receive a starting salary of £37,892 and the following benefits:
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after five years of service, plus 10.5 public and private holidays
- Recognition through the employee performance scheme
- Interest‑free season ticket loan
- Excellent pension scheme
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- On‑site facilities such as a gym, restaurant and coffee bars (selected locations)
- Paid parental and adoption leave
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ seeks a diverse workforce that reflects our society, including people of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, neurodivergent conditions and those with disabilities. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
We’re Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Leader in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme. We aim to provide fair and proportionate opportunities for disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for this position.
Eligibility criteria for interview include a Level 2 qualification in English Language and Maths, passing the online Situational Judgement Test, meeting the minimum pass marks for application questions, bespoke analysis exercise and test, and the analysis test prior to interview.
Additional support is available throughout recruitment to allow everyone to perform to their best ability.
What to Expect
- Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
- Initial short online bespoke analysis test
- Sift – assessment of two application questions, conducted without personal information
- Longer online bespoke analysis test
- Virtual interview
Each successful stage must be passed to progress to the next. The overall application process can take 6 to 9 months, including vetting.
Before You Apply
To work at GCHQ you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires the highest security clearance – Developed Vetting (DV). A strict drugs policy applies: recreational drugs cannot be used during the application process.
The role is based in Cheltenham, Manchester or Samlesbury. Applicants must live within a reasonable commuting distance of one of these locations and will not receive relocation costs.
Successful applicants are expected to start between July and September 2027, with no deferrals. Candidates may use separate emails for application correspondence to preserve privacy.
Travel costs for in‑person appointments may be reasonably reimbursed in line with our Candidate Expenses Policy. Applicants must book and retain receipts for reimbursement.
Right to Withdraw Statement
We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date for this role at any location once a certain number of applications have been received. Please submit your application promptly to avoid disappointment.
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