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Last updated: 08 October 2009
Director: Iain Lobban
(July 2008 -)
Website:
http://www.gchq.gov.uk/
[External website]
Contact details
[External website]
GCHQ has two main missions: gathering intelligence through the interception of communications (known as "Signals Intelligence", or Sigint) and providing services and advice as the UK's national technical authority for Information Assurance.
GCHQ's Sigint work provides intelligence in support of Government decision-making in the fields of national security, military operations and law enforcement. It provides essential intelligence in the battle against terrorism and also contributes to the prevention of serious crime.
Information Assurance helps to keep Government communication and information systems safe. It also helps those responsible for the UK's critical national infrastructure (power, water, communications etc.) to keep their networks safe from interference and disruption. GCHQ works closely with the Security Service, other government departments and industry to ensure that sensitive information in such systems is properly protected for the national good.
GCHQ was placed on a statutory basis by the Intelligence Services Act 1994 [External website]. This Act and subsequent legislation defines the boundaries for GCHQ's activities. Within these boundaries, the choice of what to intercept and report to government departments and military commands is, as for SIS, based on requirements and priorities established by the Joint Intelligence Committee and approved by Ministers.
The Foreign Secretary is answerable to Parliament for the work of GCHQ.
GCHQ was established in 1919 as the Government Code and Cypher School and adopted its present name in 1946. Its successes during the Second World War, when its headquarters were at Bletchley Park, are now well known.
GCHQ has been based in Cheltenham since 1952. The current Director is Iain Lobban, who took office in July 2008.