As part of a UK?wide ground?breaking initiative between the BBC and regional publishers, we are seeking to recruit 37 Local Democracy Reporters based across the UK, initially on a two?year fixed term contract.

The vacancies are based in various local authority regions across the UK.

We are recruiting for one reporter to cover local authorities in Harrow and Brent for the Harrow Times, councils in Enfield and Barnet for the Enfield Independent and Barnet Borough Times, Waltham Forest and Redbridge councils for the Guardian series and a Greater London reporter for the Times Series, based in our Watford office.

About the scheme:

This unique scheme is designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of local authorities across the UK. Funded by the BBC and run by media publishers, the reporters will offer in-depth coverage of our local authorities. The key aim will be to ensure deep scrutiny of the way our local government institutions operate, decisions they make and how they spend public money. Successful applicants will play a vital part in launching the scheme and ensuring it is a success, with the aim of expanding in future years. Acting as a trusted source of news and ambassador for the scheme, the successful applicant will be adept at identifying issues and stories buried in council agendas which need to be brought to the public’s attention. Reporting to our group editor, this role offers the chance to get involved at the start of a high-profile initiative and help shape the future of the scheme.

Key responsibilities will involve:

? Delivering strong content on a daily basis, primarily focusing on text but also providing images, audio and video as and when required

? Creating engaging content which drives audience through SEO and social media awareness

? Ensuring all content is politically?neutral and balanced, providing a fair reflection of views

? Ensuring agendas for councils and public bodies are scrutinised, identifying issues and stories which need to be brought to the public’s attention

? Delivering live content, providing two?way interviews for broadcast media

? Providing monthly report on key issues and themes from public authorities for stakeholder media organisations

? Ensuring that all matters, decisions and issues relating to the public authorities covered in the Local Democracy Reporter Scheme Editorial Brief are covered in a timely, impartial and audience?friendly way

You:

To be considered for this role, you will be qualified to NCE?standard or equivalent with two years’ experience working to daily deadlines alongside shorthand proficiency of 100wpm. This essential criteria will go hand in hand with your ability to provide outstanding content in text, audio and video format. You will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of local government and a track record of delivering great ideas for content and building contacts. A solid working knowledge of social media and the way it can be used to drive audience and engagement is essential for this role. You will be an excellent communicator, enjoy working under pressure and thrive on the unique challenge this role offers. Although based in the newsroom detailed above, you will be providing copy for all publishers signed up to the scheme.

Package Description/Important Information:

This role is a two-year fixed term contract. As part of this, the successful candidate can look forward to a competitive salary, holiday entitlement, pension scheme plus other benefits available to you as a Newsquest employee. Newsquest is committed to equal opportunity for all. We may collect relevant data for monitoring as part of our candidate registration process.

Application reference Local Authority Regions Number of vacancies Vacancies by newspaper office

E3 North Yorkshire 4* 1 Northern Echo, & 1 The Press in York

2 x Johnston Press

E6 Cheshire 2 Warrington Guardian

E15 Worcester 2 Worcester News & Hereford Times

E17 Shropshire 2 Oswestry Advertiser & Whitchurch Herald

E23 Wiltshire 2 Swindon Advertiser & Wiltshire Gazette & Herald

E24 Dorset 2 Bournemouth Daily Echo & Dorset Echo, Weymouth

E25 Reading & Berkshire 3 Reading Chronicle

E26 Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire 4* 1 Oxford Mail, 1 Bucks Free Press & 1 Slough Advertiser

1xJohnston Press

E29 Hampshire, Portsmouth & Isle of Wight 3* Southern Daily Echo, Southampton & Isle of Wight

1xJohnston Press

L2 Harrow & Brent 1 Harrow Times

L3 Enfield and Barnet 1 Enfield Independent

L6 Waltham Forest & Redbridge 1 Waltham Forest & Redbridge Guardian

L11 Bromley 1 News Shopper, Sutton

L12 Greater London 1 Times Series, Watford

W4 Newport 3 South Wales Argus, Newport and County Times, Powys

S6 Argyll & Bute 1 Helensburgh Advertiser

S8 Glasgow 4* 1 Evening Times, Glasgow & 1 Greenock Telegraph *1xTrinity Mirror *1xJohnston Press

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to amanda.langton@bournemouthecho.co.uk please ensure you include the application reference and location in your email.

The deadline for applications Monday, January 8, 2018