About Us
What we do
We protect the UK from cyber-attacks, terrorism and espionage, by using cutting-edge technology, technical creativity and a wide range of partnerships to collect intelligence, analyse data, and create real-world impacts.
But this is only possible because of the diverse backgrounds, skills and personalities in our workforce. We’re proud to collaborate and work together with purpose . It’s how we stay ahead of ever-evolving threats and keep the UK safe.
Counter terrorism
We work with our partners to identify and disrupt terror attacks against the UK and our allies. We tackle all sorts of online activity, and we’re constantly evolving to keep up with new threats.
Cyber security
The UK's cyber security mission is led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ. The NCSC protects the UK's critical services from cyber-attacks, manages major incidents and provides advice.
Serious & organised crime
Working closely with government and law enforcement partners, we reduce the harm that serious and organised crime causes and we also disrupt criminal activity. We work on topics like child sexual exploitation, people trafficking and drugs smuggling.
Strategic advantage
We play a crucial role in shaping the fefence and foreign policy of the UK government in support of national security. We help to counter state threats and ensure the Rules Based International System is upheld.
Support to defence
We work to protect defence personnel and support an integrated approach to combat operations. We provide vital intelligence to British troops around the world, and our staff might be deployed alongside them or work remotely.
Talent that covers the country
Cheltenham
A large proportion of our people work from our headquarters in Cheltenham. In fact, we’re a well-known Gloucestershire landmark and our building is affectionately referred to as the Doughnut! It now houses our 24/7 operations centre, around 16 million historical artefacts, cafes and a gym. Plus, we have a free shuttle bus for staff.
Bude
Bude is situated along the sweeping North Cornwall coastline and is known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery. Great beaches mean the area is an ideal location for outdoor water sports – everything from surfing to canoeing. And with easy access to the South West coast path, there are also excellent walking routes. With a range of arts festivals and a variety of great restaurants, it’s a place where you’ll find an enjoyable lifestyle and a rewarding career.
Scarborough
Scarborough is a historical seaside town on the North East coast of England. It offers great coastal and countryside living, while still being within easy reach of cities like York and Leeds. While GCHQ Scarborough is the oldest signals intelligence site in continuous operations in the world, it’s recently been refurbished. With an innovation centre, on-site restaurant, gym and museum, it’s an amazing place to work.
Manchester
Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful countryside and the Pennines, Manchester is a city that can offer it all. It’s known for its hugely influential technology scene, alongside growing creative and media communities. When you join, you’ll have an exciting role in a vibrant city and work in an office that actively develops partnerships with industry and academia. Plus, you'll benefit from cycle to work schemes, flexible working and public transport discounts.
London
Our London bases help us to maintain our partnerships with the rest of government, industry and academia. Our main site in Nova South, Victoria, is home to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), where we offer expert cyber support to the public, businesses and industry. With the capital on your doorstep, our London bases are some of the most exciting places to be. You’ll have plenty of restaurants, theatres and museums to visit!
Samlesbury
Halfway between the city of Preston and Blackburn, Samlesbury is at the heart of the UK’s developing Northwest cyber corridor, with cutting edge technology firms and cyber universities on its doorstep. Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Ribble Valley, often referred to as the food capital of the North, it’s perfectly situated to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities – with the Forest of Bowland, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales all under an hour away. There are rural villages, market towns, and also the vibrant city of Manchester within easy commuting distance, meaning the freedom to choose your work/life balance and a career that can take you anywhere awaits.
Digby
We are situated in the middle of the Lincolnshire countryside, amongst a wealth of RAF and Joint Service Military bases on the oldest RAF base in existence, RAF Digby. Behind the tranquil scenery, it’s easy to underestimate the frenetic activity supporting the UK’s military around the world. Being on an MOD-owned site brings the benefit of having access to services and entertainment provided for those working the mission, including a massive gym facility, regular sporting and exercise events, on-station cinema and more. Within a short drive to the historical city of Lincoln, the Lincolnshire Wolds, many quaint and picturesque villages and of course, the stunning and abundant Lincolnshire coastline.
Who we work with
Keeping the UK safe is a joint effort. We work closely with MI5 and SIS (otherwise known as MI6). Together, we tackle cyber-attacks, terrorism and espionage. With different skills and perspectives, we share knowledge and learn from each other while working towards the same goal – keeping the UK safe.
MI5 is the UK’s national secret service and protects the country from serious threats like terrorism and espionage. We work with a range of partners, including SIS and GCHQ. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. Find out more about MI5 here.
Find out more about MI5
The Secret Intelligence Agency, also known as SIS, protects the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, SIS helps the UK government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. Find out more about MI6 here.
History in the making
1
We were established in 1919 after the start of WWI. Signals intelligence had provided to be key during the conflict, providing valuable information about enemy plans. Back then, we were known as the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS).
2
We moved to Bletchley Park in 1939 and became known as GCHQ shortly after. By the end of WW2, over 10,000 people (including 7,500 women) worked at Bletchley Park.
3
With the help of talented cryptanalysts – most famously Alan Turing – we deciphered the German ‘Enigma’ code and gained intelligence that helped to end WW2.
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In 1944, we became the National Technical Authority for information security.
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In the 1970s we developed public key cryptography, which underpins many internet standards today.
6
In 2016, we opened the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), whose mission it is to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
7
We marked our centenary year in 2019 looking back on 100 years of helping to keep the country safe.
8
In late 2019, we opened an office in the heart of the city of Manchester, in Albert Square. This made us part of a thriving technology scene in the city and the North West.
9
Established in 2020, the NCF is a pioneering partnership between defence and intelligence. People from GCHQ, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) work together to deliver effects operations in cyberspace to keep the country safe, and protect and promote the UK’s interests at home and abroad.
Keep scrolling to see more of our history