Diversity
MI5 has a unique need to embrace diversity
The people who work for us are our biggest asset, in the words of our Director General, Ken McCallum:
"MI5’s real strength lies in its diverse, talented people, and their ability to be brilliantly adaptive. Ensuring better diversity and inclusion is central to our future as an organisation, as we enrich our mix of talents, and each are supported to give our best."
MI5 was announced as a ‘Top 75 Employer’ in the 2021 Social Mobility Foundation Index, in recognition of the work undertaken to improve socio-economic diversity within the organisation.
MI5 is accredited with the Governments Disability Confident Scheme as a level 3 leader.
MI5 achieved fourth place in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers in 2019 and has been awarded ‘Star Performer’ status.
Female Senior Managers
LGBT+ Staff
Females in the workplace
Staff from ethnic minority (EM) backgrounds
Employees working part-time
Diversity and Inclusion News
MI5 celebrates Pride Month 2021
MI5 staff are celebrating Pride Month 2021 by flying the Progress Pride Flag above our headquarters.
MI5 celebrates International Women’s Day 2021
MI5 is marking International Women’s Day with a series of digital events, talks and blogs for staff on this year’s theme ‘Choose to Challenge’.
MI5 marks LGBT+ History Month 2021
This February, MI5 is proud to be marking LGBT+ History Month with this year’s theme being ‘Body, Mind, Spirit’.
Our Networks
MI5's senior leadership are committed to creating an inclusive culture where people feel they belong and can flourish. We have a range of thriving and active diversity networks run by staff and championed by all.
An ethnic minority network which has been instrumental in helping us build an environment embracing the background, race, colour and beliefs for all at MI5.
A gender network (including non-binary) which works to achieve gender equality throughout MI5.
A network for staff to support those with an illness or disability.
A forum which enables staff with a faith, or no faith, to come together.
A network supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff for an inclusive MI5.
Why join MI5?
A career at MI5 is like no other. Not only is it rewarding and unique but the variety here is like no-where else. It is this variety that means most people stay at MI5 as they are able to fulfil all their career ambitions here without ever having to leave. We are also committed to rewarding the people who work for us and demonstrating our appreciation for their vital contribution by offering an excellent range of benefits. And due to the nature of our work it means you can’t take it home with you, so when you leave the office you really do leave your work behind you, providing you with an excellent work-life balance. Whatever role you perform, you will be directly contributing to keeping the country safe.