Are you passionate about politics and holding decision-makers to account? Ayrshire Live and the Dumfries & Galloway Standard requires a journalist who will work across their newsrooms, covering council news as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.

We are looking for people who are curious about what’s going on down their street, who want to hold decision makers to account, and who can spot a front page story within a complex argument.

Not only will you be working with two highly-respected newsrooms, you’ll be fully supported by the wider LDR network across Scotland and play a pivotal role in this BBC-backed public journalism service.

A firm grasp of local government, strong digital skills and a track record of great ideas are essential for this role.

This is a home working opportunity.

We believe in offering you ways to work which give you a good work/life balance – and you’ll never be on your own. Our new way of working keeps our journalists in the communities we serve, ensuring our coverage reflects real life, every day. You’ll be part of a team where everyone wants to see their colleagues succeed, with regular in-person meet ups, and constant training and development opportunities. You can play a role in helping to shape the future of journalism

Key Responsibilities

You will be a trained journalist based in the south of Scotland, providing scrutiny of Dumfries & Galloway Council and working closely with an existing Local Democracy reporter in Ayrshire.

You will be responsible for ensuring council meetings and key decisions are reported as well as building contacts and breaking exclusive lines, coordinating closely with an experienced team of editors and journalists.

As well as your stories appearing online and in print, they will also be accessible to the BBC and other publications and broadcasters throughout the region, bringing a huge potential audience to your work.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced reporter with formal training (including shorthand and media law) and with two years experience – although in some cases exceptional, newly-qualified journalists may be considered. Good knowledge of social media and the way it can be used to drive audience and engagement are also an advantage.

You must be able to work to tight, daily deadlines and have a shorthand proficiency of 100wpm.

About the Local Democracy Reporting Service

This scheme is designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of councils across the UK.

Funded by the BBC and run by media publishers, reporters who join this service provide in-depth coverage of local authorities which will feature on websites, newspapers and broadcasts across their region.

This is a high-profile job – where your reports can feature on websites, print, regional TV, radio and even the BBC homepage.

You can find out more about life as a local democracy reporter here.

So, Who Are We?

Ayrshire Live and the Dumfries & Galloway Standard are part of Reach Plc. You might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to Scotland and the UK’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Daily Record, dailyrecord.co.uk and Sunday Mail to the Scottish Daily Express, Glasgow Live, Edinburgh Live, Daily Mirror, Daily Star and OK!. We also own a huge number of regional titles across the UK such as the Paisley Daily Express, Ayrshire Post, Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more). Our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people.

We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human. Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

Package Description

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• 25 days holiday per annum
• Contributory pension scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Simply Health Healthcare Cashplan
• Free wellbeing apps and coaching support
• Lots of high street discounts!

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Please mention Journo Resources when applying, it really helps us out.