About Us

The Security Service, more commonly known as MI5, is the UK's security intelligence agency. It is based in Thames House, London. The Director General of the Security Service is Jonathan Evans.

Responsibilities

We are responsible for protecting the country against covertly organised threats to national security. These include terrorism, espionage and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In addition we provide security advice to a range of other organisations, helping them reduce their vulnerability to the threats.

Aims

Our corporate aims are therefore to:

  • frustrate terrorism;
  • prevent damage to the UK from foreign espionage and other covert foreign state activity;
  • frustrate procurement by proliferating countries of material, technology or expertise relating to weapons of mass destruction;
  • watch out for new or re-emerging types of threat;
  • protect Government's sensitive information and assets, and the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI);
  • assist the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in the discharge of their statutory functions;
  • build Service capability and resilience.

Statement of Purpose and Values

Our purpose is to protect national security. We do this by identifying and disrupting threats, advising on protection, analysing information and reporting to government. Operational success drives all of our work.

Our success depends on our professional and individual commitment to:

  • learning and improving our work
  • the rule of law and compliance with our own procedures
  • the highest standards of honesty, integrity, objectivity and a sense of proportion
  • working as a team, inside the Service and with partners
  • respect and support for those with whom we work
  • valuing difference, so that we make the best use of our staff skills and experience and reflect the society we serve.

The Security Service plays a key role in defending our citizens and vital national interests from threats that are organised in secret. It has saved many lives and protected much of what is valuable to us.

Key points

  • MI5 protects the UK against covert threats to national security.
  • We work to counter terrorism, foreign espionage and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
  • We are committed to legality, integrity, objectivity and proportionality.