MI6 in push to hire children of immigrants

MI6 is relaxing its recruitment rules to encourage more children of migrants to sign up.

In an attempt to boost ethnic minority recruitment, it is dropping a century-long requirement to have a British-born parent or ‘substantial ties’ to the UK.

The rule change is part of a major push to increase MI6’s headcount by 800 to 3,400 by 2021.

Yesterday the agency launched its first TV advertising campaign as it attempts to cast off its macho James Bond image and bring in more women and diverse candidates.

There are currently no black, Asian or minority ethnic staff among its senior ranks.

Alex Younger, who heads the Secret Intelligence Service, said he wanted to reach candidates who might otherwise have thought they did not qualify.

‘The service I am proud to lead is global, modern and most capable – with a deserved reputation of being one of the best in the world,’ he said.

‘MI6 makes a unique contribution to protecting Britain’s security and prosperity. My message remains simple – there is no standard MI6 officer. If you have what it takes, then apply to join us. Regardless of background, if you have the skills we need and share our values, I want you to consider a career in the intelligence service that reflects today’s UK society. MI6 needs the best people that this country has to offer and there really is a place for you.’

Mr Younger, who is codenamed C, said growing global threats had seen a ‘significant increase in the demand for our service’.

The television advert, which runs for 29 seconds, aims to highlight the ‘soft’ skills MI6 is looking for in spies by showing a mixed-race mother comforting her child.

The voiceover says: ‘ We are intelligence officers but we don’t do what you think. It is not keeping your cool in the shark tank, it is picking up the silent cues that matter.’

The advert ends: ‘ MI6 – secretly we are just like you.’

The agency’s head of recruitment, herself a mother with 20 years in the service, said: ‘The concept was to play on the Bond image but to explain very clearly that this was not James Bond.

‘The people we are recruiting have sets of skills that are common to many people in the population. MI6 can take advantage of this Bond image and then turn it on its head.’

A senior director said a more diverse workforce would counter ‘group think’, adding: ‘We are looking for people who are brave enough to speak up.’