Local Democracy Reporter – The Westmoreland Gazette (Cumbria)

Local Democracy Reporter

The Westmoreland Gazette

Kendal

We are looking for our next local democracy reporter to cover local government in the busy news patch of South Cumbria.

This role will see you hold local authorities and politicians to account and stand up for the local people.

As well as covering council meetings and scouring agenda papers for the most important news affecting the public, you will also go beyond that and produce original journalism about how council services impact people’s lives.

This role is for a reporter who wants to make a difference, hold power to account and champion people’s concerns and issues.

The role will be a mixture of home and office work based at our newsroom in Cumbria.

You will be expected to attend council meetings both virtually and in person, as well as go out to talk to people, so the ability to get around the patch is essential.

The local democracy reporter scheme is funded via the BBC but you will be employed by Newsquest and be a valued part of the West Moreland Gazette team. Your copy will go out on a wire and be available to various outlets, including the BBC.

This role is suitable for a qualified senior reporter or a trainee who has achieved (or is about to) their gold standard diploma including 100wpm shorthand from the NCTJ.

Newsquest is one of the UK’s biggest newspaper and website publishers. We can offer a competitive salary and benefits including:

Workplace Pension
Perks & Discounts at various retail outlets
Opportunities for team building and training days
25 days paid holiday + statutory bank holidays + your birthday day off.
Structured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews
Discount Vouchers
Discounted Gym membership
Cycle to Work scheme
Mental Health Support via Lifeworks
Eye test vouchers plus £50 towards new glasses.
Annual Volunteer Charity Day

If this role matches your skills, experience and motivations then please submit your CV with a cover letter identifying why you feel this role is for you.

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.