Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme Registration Of Interest Ref. 3689

Job Description

Flexible working: throughout most of the five-and-a-half year programme, you’ll be able to benefit from flexitime and compressed hours, subject to business need. However, during the initial four-month training period, you will need to follow fixed full-time hours (36 hours per week). Remote, hybrid or home working are not possible in this role.

Get ready to apply

We’re currently accepting registrations of interest for our Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme (IDADP) before the application window opens on Monday 27 April 2026 at 3pm. This programme is expected to attract significant interest and may close within a short time frame, so early applications are encouraged.

About us

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.

About the programme

Intelligence and Data Analysts (IDAs) play a vital role in protecting the UK. They transform complex, incomplete information into insight that informs investigative decisions and helps colleagues understand threats, risks and opportunities. As this work demands strong analytical tradecraft, sound judgement, technical capability and the ability to collaborate effectively, nobody arrives fully trained.

That’s why we’ve developed the IDADP, a five-and-a-half year structured pathway that develops the skills, experience and confidence to become a fully trained analyst. To join the programme, you must either have at least one year of full-time work experience where you have developed and applied the core skills needed for analysis, or a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) where you studies involved working with or interpreting data. You will also need to demonstrate analytical ability such as being able to use information in a structured way, spot patterns, make evidence-based decisions and build a clear picture from incomplete or ambiguous information.

Across the five-and-a-half-year programme, you will:
• begin with four months of full time training building core analytical skills, learning how to work with multiple types of data and using advanced tools and techniques
• move into your first posting in an analysis delivery team lasting for two to two-and-a-half-years, refining investigative requirements, working with complex datasets and producing timely, compliant intelligence products that help move investigations forward
• complete one or two further postings during the remainder of the programme, gaining broader expertise across different analysis environments, including the possibility of a non-delivery posting, such as training or tradecraft development to help improve our capabilities
• grow your technical capability, including coding and querying skills and learn to adapt as analytical tools, technologies and threats evolve

You’ll be supported throughout by mentors, development partners and colleagues, and be part of a friendly cohort that learns, shares knowledge and develops together.

Postings may be based in either Central or West London, so you must be prepared and able to work at either location.

Register your interest

Before applications open on Monday 27 April, we’re inviting people from Black, Asian or other ethnic minority backgrounds to register their interest, as these groups are currently under represented in our workforce.

As part of the registration of interest, eligible candidates will be invited to online events before the application window opens. These include a Virtual Insight Event, to learn more about the organisation and role, and an Application and Interview Information Session. These events last approximately one hour each:

Virtual Insight Events

• Wednesday 22 April 2026, at 1pm and 5pm. The content will be the same across both sessions, so you only need to attend one

Application and Interview Session

• Thursday 23 April 2026 at 1pm

Once the registration of interest has closed, eligible candidates will receive an email with event invitations and joining details.

Please note, registering your interest does not constitute a job application and has no impact on the recruitment process. Anyone who registers their interest and then decides to apply, will need to complete an application form once the application window opens.

When applications open on Monday 27 April at 3pm, we welcome applications from all eligible candidates. All applications are assessed solely on merit. Remember, the window may only be open for a very short time, so plan to apply early.

Before you register

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, there are some eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet (as well as some recommendations we’d make to aid your registration and any future application). You will need to:
• be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read more on our eligibility criteria
• if successful at the end of the recruitment process, undergo Developed Vetting and comply with our no drugs policy. Learn more about the vetting process
• familiarise yourself with our guidance on the use of artificial intelligence tools in applications
• complete your registration, application and all recruitment processes from within the UK

This programme is based in London, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. You must be willing and able to work across two London locations (one in Central London and one in West London, both Zones 1-2) at different points in the programme. Please consider the financial and practical implications before applying. A relocation loan is available to support those moving to London. Remote or home working is not possible due to the secure nature of our work.

We recommend using a different email address (without identifying details) for your contact with us. This will help keep your personal and application correspondence separate, and more secure. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Select ‘Submit’ to register your interest.