GCHQ

Working CultureOur work might be secret, but that doesn’t mean we work in silence or alone!One thing that strikes new starters – apart from the interesting work and range of career pathways - is how friendly and helpful everyone is. It probably comes from sharing a common bond of doing important work and being in it together as a team. Our values underpin everything we do and contribute to our unique working culture.While there are grades and structures, you won’t feel as though you’re in a rigid hierarchy. Mostly, we’re open plan, and your manager (and senior management) are as accessible as your colleagues. We want you to do well, and that means supporting you, even when thing’s go wrong. We have a ‘no blame’ culture and a strong sense of fairness. The depth of this support is another thing people quickly notice.We work hard and our work’s important. But it’s not without humour, and it’s certainly not about ‘putting in the hours’. There may be times when you need to work later than usual, but it’s not a regular occurrence – and when it happens, you’ll be able to recover the time put in.Another important thing is you can't take work home or even talk about it outside the offices. So when you step out of GCHQ it's officially your own time. And thanks to our enlightened approach to flexible working, there’s no shortage of that!BenefitsYou can find out all about the interesting work and long term career benefits of being part of GCHQ on the website. You’ll be just as interested in the more immediate rewards: Pay. Salaries are reviewed annually in October, and progression and pay reflect your performance and ability. Holiday. The allowance starts at 22 days, rising to 25 after one year's service, and to 30 days after 10 years. It is possible to carry days over, or borrow from next years' allowance. Pensions schemes. GCHQ staff are members of the Civil service pension scheme. Paid and unpaid special leave. Available for special occasions, and certain voluntary and/or sporting activities. Maternity and paternity leave. Generous and flexible enough to cope with the demands of a new child. Holiday Play Scheme. Available during school holidays for children aged 4 to 14. Flexible working patterns. Various patterns are available, including flexi-time which allows up to 4 days leave in a 4 week period. You may also be able to request part-time or reduced and annualised hours, job-share or term-time working. Employee Assistance Service. Providing support to staff when needed. Consultation & partnership working. Regular consulting with staff helps maintain a positive partnership between management and trade unions. Training & Development“We continue to invest a significant amount of time and resources in the professional and personal growth of staff, driving performance and delivery by helping people fulfil their potential, no matter where they work." GCHQ’s ‘Vision for People’We’re a ‘knowledge-based’ organisation with an advanced level of technology, tackling many urgent and critical issues. Everyone, whatever their role, has a part to play in this and, as an established ‘Investor in People’, we invest significant time and resources in making sure everyone is confident in their role. On average, our people benefit from 7.5 days of formal training per year - and that’s in addition to any on-the-job learning. Continuous Personal Development. You will have your own plan, individually tailored to your training needs. We will work together to create a bespoke package that may include interactive computer modules, distance learning, training courses, secondments and on-the-job training. Professional qualifications. Where relevant to your role, we are happy to support further study, financially and in terms of time. Technical Development. We run two key schemes for our IT-related people. ‘Gateway’ offers a variety of placements, training courses and development activities, while our Professional Technologist Training Scheme offers an accredited route to Chartered or Incorporated status. You can find out more information under IT, Internet & Engineering. Secondments. We support the Prince’s Trust Volunteers and short-term community programmes, as well as secondments at various partner organisations.     DiversityGCHQ’s work is all about protecting British people. So it’s important that we reflect and represent the rich diversity of Britain in our workforce. This isn’t about hitting quotas or fulfilling our legal commitments. It’s a fundamental principle to which we are utterly and totally committed. You’ll see our progressive approach in policies and practices that empower, support and develop everyone. Some key initiatives and features include:     Family friendly policies and flexible working patterns     Membership of Opportunity Now, a national campaign for employers who wish to tackle barriers to women’s progress and encourage an inclusive culture in the workplace     Excellent disabled access and support     An award-winning Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Toolkit     A dedicated prayer/quiet room to accommodate different religious needs