HMGCC Hanslope Park (FCO)

 government, military, scientific research institute / centre

Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre (HMGCC)

Hanslope Park, in the heart of unspoilt Buckinghamshire, is home to Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre - HMGCC for short.Hanslope Park is much more than a centre of expertise. Over five hundred government scientists and technicians work here on a whole range of customer-driven projects. Research, design and development of unique communications systems, hardware and software specifically for HM Government - for use both at home and overseas.

In 2005, the FCO signed a record-breaking £190 million, seven-year contract with Hewlett Packard (HP) to provide the hardware and software for the next generation of the FCO's secure global IT desktop infrastructure, code name: "Future Firecrest". The FCO's internal costs bring the total project value to more than £320 million – the largest contract ever signed by the UK Foreign Office. The system will be managed centrally from the new ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Building at Hanslope Park, where hundreds more FCO staff from central London will be relocated at the end of the project in 2012.

It is also home to MI6's Technical Security Department (TSD), staffed by Secret Intelligence Service technical operatives who process and analyse data sent from GCHQ in Cheltenham and RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire, especially data intercepted from the foreign embassies in London. During the Cold War era, this function was known as the Diplomatic Wireless Service.

With a private gym, tennis courts, running track as well as an excellent restaurant and on-site Nursery and Baby Unit (OFSTED registered), the government has created a sustainable civil service community where work and leisure can be enjoyed by an entirely self-sufficient and independent workforce.

www.hmgcc.gov.uk/about-us.aspx