At a Glance
- Tasks: Shine a light on local councils and report on key community issues.
- Company: Join HullLive, a dynamic news platform committed to local democracy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all to apply!
- Why this job: Make a real impact by holding politicians accountable and sharing vital stories.
- Qualifications: NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist with a passion for local issues.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 HullLive as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. This is a hybrid role, working both from home and our Hull Daily Mail hub, with regular time spent at council meetings in person. We are therefore looking for candidates based in or around Hull.
Responsibilities
- Cover the key business of Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, as well as the political and social issues affecting the community.
- Ensure council meetings and key decisions are covered in a timely manner.
- Build contacts, understand and explore key issues, write features and break exclusives, potentially having the work shown on the BBC Homepage and used by other local media partners.
Qualifications
- Be an NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist, ideally with 100wpm shorthand skills (or currently working towards this).
- Demonstrated interest in local community issues.
- Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is desirable.
- Show the ability to pull stories from council meetings that readers want to know about.
- Have a good knowledge of social media and how to use it to grow and engage an audience and community.
- Show interest in local councils, ensuring transparency and integrity in local government and making sure local communities are heard.
- Have excellent knowledge of Hull and a solid understanding of the area you will be covering.
Benefits
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), and an extra day after being with us for 3, 5 and 10 years. You can also buy extra holiday through a scheme.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or heart.
- Big moment day – an extra day’s paid leave for a significant personal event such as marriage, moving house or welcoming a new family member.
- Help saving for your retirement – we match your company pension contributions up to 6% and allow salary sacrifice contributions.
- Supportive and progressive people policies – enhanced family leave, flexibility, inclusion and progression support.
- A healthcare cash plan – money back for medical expenses and fast access to doctor appointments.
- Car lease scheme – buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner with salary sacrifice.
- Wellbeing support – 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Access to discounts – 15% off with Reach's online marketplace, Yimbly, for homewares to beauty products.
- Interest‑free loans – for season tickets and technology.
Additional Information
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. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Local Democracy Reporter - HullLive employer: REACH PLC
At HullLive, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values transparency, community engagement, and employee well-being. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while ensuring you are at the heart of local democracy reporting, with ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture that celebrates diverse perspectives. With generous benefits including extra leave for personal milestones and a commitment to your health and development, joining our team means making a meaningful impact in the Hull community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - HullLive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Spend some time researching Hull City Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Understanding the key players and current issues will help you stand out in interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local council meetings or community events to meet people in the industry. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and even job opportunities, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that highlights your ability to cover local government issues. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, as this will impress potential employers when they check you out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about the role. Don’t hesitate to showcase your passion for local democracy reporting and how you can contribute to HullLive!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter - HullLive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing your application, take a moment to think about who will be reading it. We want to see your passion for local democracy and community issues, so make sure to highlight your understanding of Hull and its councils.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your journalism skills! If you’ve got NCTJ or NQJ qualifications, or shorthand skills, let us know. Share examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to pull stories from council meetings and engage the community.
Be Authentic:We love unique voices! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your story and what drives your interest in local government reporting. We value potential and passion over ticking every box.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and show you how much we value your interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at REACH PLC
✨Know Your Councils Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. Familiarise yourself with their recent decisions, key issues, and any ongoing projects. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you ask insightful questions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've pulled compelling stories from council meetings or local events in the past. Bring along clips or notes that highlight your ability to engage readers with important community issues. This will demonstrate your capability as a Local Democracy Reporter and your understanding of what matters to the public.
✨Be Social Media Savvy
Since social media plays a crucial role in engaging audiences, be ready to talk about your experience using platforms to promote stories and connect with the community. Share specific strategies you've used to grow an audience or engage with local issues online, as this will show your modern approach to journalism.
✨Emphasise Your Community Connection
Express your passion for local issues and your commitment to ensuring transparency in local government. Share any personal experiences or connections you have with the Hull area that fuel your desire to report on these topics. This will help the interviewers see you as someone who truly cares about the community and its representation.
