Reporters wanting to help our papers hold local government to account have until Monday to apply.

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, another covering councils in Enfield and Barnet for the Enfield Independent and Barnet Borough Times, another dealing with 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 NQJ-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.

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 is Monday, January 8, 2018.