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.

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do. We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Information

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.
• 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!).
• 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.

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.