Local democracy reporter – ChronicleLive

Role: Local democracy reporter
Organisation: ChronicleLive, Reach
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Division: Editorial
Department: Regionals
Working arrangement: Hub-based in Newcastle, with regular travel

Candidates should be based in or around Newcastle. The role involves regular travel to attend meetings of Newcastle City Council and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority in person.

About the role

ChronicleLive is looking for a local democracy reporter to cover the decisions made by Newcastle City Council and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority.

From roads and local schools to recycling services, council decisions affect communities every day. You will report on these decisions, scrutinise local authorities and ensure people in and around Newcastle understand what is being done on their behalf.

You will be part of a team of 165 reporters working across the UK through a BBC-supported service. Your journalism may also appear on the BBC homepage and be used by other local media partners.

The role is suited to a journalist with a strong interest in politics and public affairs who wants to hold decision-makers to account and report on issues that matter to local communities.

About Reach

Reach is a commercial news publisher with more than 120 brands, including the Mirror, Express, Daily Star, Daily Record, MyLondon, BelfastLive, Manchester Evening News and Irish Star.

Reach says it reaches around 70 per cent of the UK’s online population, 10 per cent of the US online population and more than 100 million social media followers worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Cover the key business of Newcastle City Council and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority, as well as political and social issues affecting their communities.
• Attend and report on council meetings and key decisions in a timely manner.
• Build a strong network of contacts and develop a detailed understanding of the issues affecting the area.
• Produce features and break exclusive stories, with the potential for your work to be used by the BBC and other local media partners.

Essential criteria

• A National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) or National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) qualification, ideally with shorthand at 100 words per minute, or currently working towards this.
• An understanding of and interest in issues affecting local communities.
• The ability to identify strong stories from local council meetings.
• A strong interest in local government and holding politicians and public bodies to account.
• Detailed knowledge of Newcastle and a good understanding of the area you will cover.

Experience of reporting on local government or councils is highly desirable. Knowledge of social media and how it can be used to develop audiences and engagement would also be an advantage.

Regular travel is required, so access to your own vehicle is desirable.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with an additional day after three, five and 10 years’ service and the option to buy further holiday.
• One additional day of paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause you care about.
• A ‘big moment’ day, providing an additional day of paid leave for a significant personal event.
• Employer pension contributions matched up to 6 per cent, with contributions available through salary sacrifice.
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies, including enhanced family leave.
• A healthcare cash plan covering a range of medical expenses and providing access to doctors’ appointments.
• An electric and hybrid car leasing scheme available through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24-hour assistance programme for employees and their families.
• A range of discounts, including 15 per cent off through Reach’s online marketplace, Yimbly.
• Interest-free loans, including for season tickets and technology.

Inclusive recruitment

Reach encourages applications from people who are interested in the role even if they do not meet every criterion.

The organisation says it values different backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Reach is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.