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- Tasks: Shine a light on local council decisions and report on community issues.
- Company: Join Reach, the UK's largest commercial news publisher with a diverse range of brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, bonus schemes, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by holding politicians accountable and sharing important stories.
- Qualifications: NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist with an interest in local government.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Local Democracy Reporter – LeicestershireLive
- Full-time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Location: Regional
- Division: Editorial
- Department: Regionals
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 the Leicestershire Live and its print counterpart the Leicester Mercury as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by politicians and institutions across Leicestershire.
Leicestershire Live prides itself on its extensive, accurate and trusted coverage of news and events across the city and county. We set the agenda and make a difference. Our campaigning, investigations and first-class journalism change lives.
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 Leicestershire will get to hear about what the council is doing in their name.
If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to hold power to account in Leicestershire, searching for brilliant and engaging stories for our audience then this is the position for you!
We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.
This role is home based however due to the nature of the role, you will need to be based in Leicestershire.
About us
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live – whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We\’re home to more than 120 trusted brands – from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like the Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, BelfastLive and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.
It\’s our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland\’s largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK\’s online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…
Your story, with Reach
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.
We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
Responsibilities
- You’ll be covering the key business of a variety of Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire 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. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers . If there\’s something you want to understand more about, just ask – it won’t make a difference to your application.
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.
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Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive employer: REACH PLC
Contact Detail:
REACH PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Familiarise yourself with Leicestershire's councils and their key players. This will help you stand out in interviews as someone who genuinely cares about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events, council meetings, or community gatherings. Building relationships with local politicians and community leaders can give you insider info and boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that highlights your ability to cover local issues and engage readers. Make sure it’s easily accessible when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to us at Reach with your ideas on how you can contribute to our coverage. A little initiative can go a long way in making a great impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local Issues: When you write your application, let us see your enthusiasm for local democracy and community issues. Share specific examples of stories you've covered or issues you're passionate about in Leicestershire to show us you’re the right fit!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to this role. Highlight your experience with local councils and any relevant journalism qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Leicestershire Live.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Reach.
How to prepare for a job interview at REACH PLC
✨Know Your Local Issues
Before the interview, dive deep into the current issues affecting Leicestershire. Familiarise yourself with recent council decisions and local news stories. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of your previous work where you've uncovered important stories or held authorities accountable. Bring along clips or links to your articles that highlight your ability to report on local government matters effectively.
✨Engage with Social Media
Demonstrate your understanding of how social media can amplify local stories. Be ready to share your ideas on how to use platforms to engage the community and drive audience interaction, as this is crucial for a Local Democracy Reporter.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Inquire about their expectations for the Local Democracy Reporter and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.