Local Democracy Reporter - WalesOnline in Cardiff

Do you want to shine a light on the daily decisions of councils, to ensure politicians keep their promises and to break essential stories about public interest issues? We are looking for someone to join us at WalesOnline as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils.

WalesOnline is the leading news website in Wales, reaching people across the nation with the latest breaking news, investigations, political analysis, features and sports reporting. We pride ourselves on being fast, accurate, trustworthy and making a difference to our readers’ lives with hard-hitting, campaigning journalism.

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 Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will get to hear about what the council are doing in their name.

If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to hold power to account in Wales, searching for brilliant and engaging stories for our audience then this is the position for you! This role is home and hub based, linked to our Cardiff Hub (minimum 3 days per week in hub each week). Therefore you must be currently located in or around Cardiff.

You’ll be covering the key business of a variety of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan 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 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 by the local council and government, want to hold politicians to account and ensure the local communities are heard.
• You are an expert on all things Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and have a solid understanding of the patch you will be covering.

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you’ll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you’ve been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• 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 - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
• Bonus scheme - you’ll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
• Help saving for your retirement - we’ll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.