SIS Centenary 1909-2009
On this Page:
- Publication of SIS History 1909-2009
- MI6: A Century in the Shadows
- Commemorative Plaque at Westminster Abbey
- Restoration of Cumming's Grave
- Past Chiefs of SIS
- A Note About Careers
Publication of SIS History 1909-1949
To mark the centenary of the Service in 2009, the Foreign Secretary has agreed to the preparation of a volume of SIS history covering 1909 to the early Cold War. Professor Keith Jeffery of Queen's University Belfast has been appointed as the author and publication is planned for 2010.
Professor Jeffery will have access to material in the SIS archive to allow him to complete his book, however, the archive itself will remain closed to the public. SIS's commitment to the protection of intelligence sources remains paramount and the book will not reveal operational details which remain sensitive.
MI6: A Century in the Shadows
BBC Radio 4 broadcast three programmes on SIS between 27th July and 10th August 2009. The presenter was Security Correspondent Gordon Corera. Against the backdrop of the Service's 100-year history, he explored what has changed and what has stayed the same. He examined the role of an intelligence service in government, the nature of intelligence, events where intelligence has made a difference and surrounding issues such as accountability, secrecy and ethics. C agreed exceptionally to give the BBC an on-the-record interview around the main themes; this is the first time such an interview has taken place.
Commemorative Plaque at Westminster Abbey
October 1909 saw the formation of the services that became SIS, MI5 and GCHQ. On 14th October 2009, to mark the centenary, Her Majesty the Queen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown attended a short service in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey to acknowledge the service of past, present and future staff of SIS, MI5 and GCHQ. The Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, who are responsible for the three services, were also in attendance.
Her Majesty witnessed the presentation to Westminster Abbey of a plaque which bears the Royal Cypher, the initials of the three services and the inscription:
"RECOGNISING SERVICE AT HOME AND ABROAD PROTECTING THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE 1909"
Restoration of Cumming's Grave
1st April 2009 was the 150th anniversary of the birth of the first 'C'. In our centenary year SIS observed the event by restoring Cummings Grave grave to its original condition and holding a private rededication ceremony.
Past Chiefs of SIS
There have been 14 Chiefs of SIS since its formation in 1909. Click here to find out more.
A Note About Careers
Over the course of the last 100 years, SIS recruitment policies have changed beyond recognition. Gone are the days when candidates had to wait for a tap on the shoulder by an Oxbridge don or a mysterious letter in the post. If you have an interest in foreign affairs, are passionate about working with people or are a technology or language expert, SIS would like to hear from you. For your chance to be part of the next 100 years, visit our Careers pages now.
