[Hiring] Local Democracy Reporter @Reach plc

Role Description

We are looking for someone to join us at DevonLive as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Torbay Council.

Your work will mean that everyone in and around Exeter, Teignbridge, and Torbay 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 the South West, then this is the position for you!

This is a home-based role, with regular travel to attend council meetings in person across all three councils. We are therefore looking for candidates based in and around Exeter, Teignbridge, and Torbay.

What will the role involve?

• Covering the key business of Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Torbay Council.
• Addressing the political and social issues affecting their communities.
• Ensuring timely coverage of council meetings and key decisions.
• Building contacts, understanding and exploring key issues.
• Writing features and breaking exclusives, with potential for work to be shown on the BBC Homepage and used by other local media partners.

Qualifications

• NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist, ideally with 100wpm shorthand skills (or currently working towards this).
• Understanding and interest in local community issues.
• Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is highly desirable.
• Ability to pull stories from local council meetings that readers want to know about.
• Good knowledge of social media and its use to drive audience engagement.
• Interest in local councils and government, keen to hold politicians to account.
• Expertise on all things South West and solid understanding of the patch covered.
• Access to own vehicle for regular travel to various councils.

Benefits

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), with an extra day after three, five, and ten years of service.
• Extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for significant personal events.
• Retirement savings support - company matches pension contributions up to 6%.
• Supportive and progressive people policies, including enhanced family leave and policies for flexibility and inclusion.
• Healthcare cash plan for medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme for buying a new electric or hybrid car through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to discounts, including 15% off with Reach's online marketplace, Yimbly.
• Interest-free loans for season tickets and technology.