London: Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, which is better known as MI6, has for the first time in its 97 years of existence, resorted to open advertising for fresh recruits.
The exercise is being seen as a means of expanding the Service to meet 21st Century challenges such as terrorism and counter proliferation. Open advertising, which builds on the launch of the Service website (www.sis.gov.uk and www.mi6.gov.uk) in October 2005, is intended to broaden and diversify SIS's recruitment base.
From now on there will be regular general advertising campaigns for careers in SIS, as well as campaigns aimed at attracting staff into particular career streams. The first campaign will be advertising for generalists.
The advertisements will direct everyone interested to the revised careers section of the main SIS website through a new careers internet address - www.siscareers.gov.uk. There they will find not only new details about career possibilities but also the added option of applying online.
Commenting on this development, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "This is another example of the modernisation of SIS's recruitment process, extending the Service's candidate base, and making it easier to apply. I welcome this move, and would add this message of encouragement to all members of the British public: 'Don't wait to be asked to join SIS - if you believe you have the aptitude and talent - apply now !".
The SIS has awarded the recruitment services contract to Barkers Group plc, following the standard formal tender process. This three-year contract comprises the full range of recruitment activity including targeted advertising, online application handling and candidate management.
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