As a Mobile Surveillance Officer, you’ll blend into the environment, observe people and places, and report back to MI5’s Intelligence Officers. Surveillance is a key investigative resource we use to protect against threats to the UK, and your key objective will be to observe subjects who’ve been identified as potential threats to national security.
This is a uniquely impactful, one-of-a-kind role, so we don’t expect you to have all the skills when you join. In fact, our Mobile Surveillance Officers come from all sorts of backgrounds including nursing, teaching and customer service. Some are recent graduates, and some have spent years working in another industry.
What matters are your communication skills, ability to develop relationships, and willingness to learn. You’ll need to have a strong sense of camaraderie, with teamwork and people skills that you might have learned from working in a team, playing sports, travelling, or coaching. You’ll also be observant, someone who’s able to accurately remember details of what you’ve seen and heard. And a skilled multi-tasker.
To begin with, you’ll attend an intensive 20-week training programme, where you’ll learn how to turn your existing skills to surveillance. We’ll teach you how to safely observe and blend into your surroundings – and keeping you safe will be our priority. Plus, you’ll get the chance to bond with your fellow officers, which will be important as you’ll be working closely with and always looking out for one another.
Aside from your skills, there are some physical requirements for the job. These are to ensure you can complete surveillance safely and effectively. Any distinguishing features such as tattoos on your face, neck or hands would make you more recognisable to someone who is under surveillance and would therefore make you unsuitable for this role. If you are a man, you will need to be 6’2” or under, and if you are a woman, you must be 5’10” or under. Additionally, you’ll need to undertake a Fitness for Role medical, and your hearing and eyesight will be tested as part of the recruitment process.
The application window for the Mobile Surveillance Officer role will open on Friday 2nd October 2026 at 10am.
To work for us, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality.
These roles require the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes.
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Mobile Surveillance Officer – Registration of Interest Ref. 3823 employer: UK Intelligence Services
At MI5, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will find a rewarding career path in our London or Cheltenham offices, where your contributions directly enhance national security. Join us to engage in meaningful work that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a significant impact on the safety of the UK.
