MI5 offers a 'licence to manage'

The MI5 job ads aim to dispel images propelled by TV and books

A licence to middle manage is being offered by MI5 as it advertises for team leaders for the first time.

Promising "varied and stimulating" roles for the right people, the security service has placed adverts on the internet and in national papers.

Under the slogan "see all of your best work go unnoticed" it hopes to dispel some misconceptions about spies.

The service began a recruitment drive last year and plans to take on an extra 1,000 people by 2008.

'Wannabes'

Many of the new workers are recently-qualified graduates and the service believes it needs a number of experienced staff to manage them.

The manager's role would include leading investigations into international terrorism, counter-espionage and agent-running.

We really have to wonder why, when we are fighting a war against terrorism, MI5 needs to recruit so many middle managers David Shayler

"You may spend some time during your career engaged in operational work," the advert adds.

James Bond "wannabes" need not apply, however.

MI5 said it did not want candidates who felt the need to brag about their work, which is why the slogan for the adverts was chosen.

Those thinking about applying are even warned "keep it to yourself".

The advert says: "Please do not even discuss your application with anyone other than your partner and/or immediate family."

'Tribal knowledge'

Former spy David Shayler, who himself was recruited through a newspaper ad, said the adverts were a cause for concern.

"We really have to wonder why, when we are fighting a war against terrorism, MI5 needs to recruit so many middle managers.

"It rather implies that they haven't been recruiting the right people at the bottom who can work their way through and do a good job."

He said that to become a good middle manager would be quite difficult as recruits would lack experience at a basic level, including a knowledge of what resources were available and what pitfalls to avoid.

MI5 staff build up "tribal knowledge" from their postings, Mr Shayler said.

"These people will be starting afresh and they will not have that basic knowledge."