MI5 celebrates National Inclusion Week

Published date: 27 Sep 2021

For the sixth year in a row, MI5 is marking National Inclusion Week, to highlight the importance of inclusion across the UK. As a visible display of our commitment to inclusion, we’ll be flying our Inclusion Flag above our London headquarters for the whole week.

This year’s theme is unity. Unity is critical to MI5: we need to work and respond as a team, we need that team to be made of up individuals who are representative of the country we’re working to protect and we need to be able to rely on each member of the team if we’re to succeed in our mission to keep the country safe. 

Our goal is for MI5 to be one of the most inclusive workplaces in the country. We want every member of our organisation to feel that they can be themselves when they come to work, to know that they will be respected and supported, and that their views and ideas will be listened to. Not only is that the right thing to do, but we believe it makes MI5 more effective at our mission. 

Speaking as part of Inclusion Week, the Director General Ken McCallum said:

“I am passionate about MI5 becoming fully reflective of the UK we serve, ensuring we harness and grow a diverse range of talent, and promote a culture of inclusion, - not solely because it’s right, but profoundly because it makes us better at keeping the nation safe. MI5 will be at its best when we bring our full selves to work; it’s vitally important to me that everyone feels included and like they belong, and has a fulfilling career here”. 

To help us achieve this goal, we have an active and thriving community of groups and networks championing diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation – you can find out more about them here