Local Democracy Reporter - Lancashire

Do you want to shine a light on the daily decisions of councils, to ensure politicians keep their promises? Do you want to break essential stories about public interest issues working for Lancs Live and learning from editors of the largest regional news website in the country? We are looking for someone to join us at Lancs Live managed by the Manchester Evening News as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by Lancaster, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Rossendale and West Lancashire councils.

From the state of roads, to local schools, to new recycling services, every one of us is affected by the decisions that councils make. You will be part of a team of 165 reporters working throughout the UK to hold local authorities to account through a BBC-supported service. Your work will mean that everyone in Lancashire will get to hear about what their councils are doing in their name. If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to hold power to account in Lancashire, then this is the position for you!

This is a hybrid role linked to our MEN newsroom, with regular travel to in person council meetings. Therefore you must be currently located in or around Lancashire, or be ready to relocate.

What will the role involve?

• You’ll be covering the key business of Lancaster, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Rossendale and West Lancashire councils, as well as the political and social issues affecting their communities.
• Making sure you cover the council meetings and key decisions in a timely manner.
• You will build contacts, understand and explore the key issues, write features and break exclusives with your work having the potential to also be shown on the BBC Homepage and used by other local media partners.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist, ideally with 100wpm shorthand skills (or be currently working towards this), with an understanding and interest in the issues of your local community.
• Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is highly desirable.
• You have the ability to pull the stories out of the local council meetings that our readers want to know about.
• A good knowledge of social media and how you can use it to drive audience and engagement from the people in your area is an advantage.
• You’re interested in local councils and government, keen to hold politicians to account and ensure the local communities are heard.
• You are an expert on all things Lancashire and have a solid understanding of the patch you will be covering.
• In order to travel regularly to the various councils this role covers, you ideally have access to your own vehicle.

How we'll look after you

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you.
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6%.
• Supportive and progressive people policies.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying. We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported.