Anita

Employer: MI5 - The Security Service
Qualifications: BSc geography, University of Birmingham

8.30 am

I arrive at work and check my voicemail while my computer logs on. I’m currently working as part of the team that investigates North African terrorism – I’ve worked for the Security Service for about a year and this is my first posting. I assess a range of intelligence material and then decide what action is appropriate.

10.30 am

I have responsibility for my own investigations but I’m part of a team and we all work closely together. In our team meeting, I bring my boss and colleagues up to speed on the new leads and developments. We then devise a strategy for the next steps of the investigations.

11.45 am

I write up what has been agreed and then get cracking on emptying my in-tray. I’m also working on a briefing paper for our surveillance teams that has to be completed this afternoon so I get started on that as well.

1.00 pm

I meet one of my friends from another department for lunch. After lunch, I carry on working on my briefing paper for a surveillance team and I send it to them.

3.00 pm

I speak to my contact in the Metropolitan Police Special Branch to give them an update on another investigation. We work closely with police Special Branches across the UK, as well as other law enforcement agencies, so we need to keep them informed of any new developments. I make a note to send through a written follow-up.

4.00 pm

As part of a liaison meeting next week I’ll be giving a brief presentation on the work of my section so I start preparing and collating information for this.

5.15 pm

I begin packing away ready to leave. I’m off to Covent Garden this evening to meet up with some friends.