Are you passionate about politics and how it affects communities? Essex Live requires a senior journalist to cover council politics as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.

EssexLive is the largest and most-read digital news platform in the county. The team is obsessed with first-class digital storytelling, be that a long-form investigative feature, a story shouting from the rooftops about how great Essex is (because it’s amazing, right?), a Facebook Live or running a live blog from the scene of the latest breaking story.

We know EssexLive is the go-to destination for regional news in Essex because our readers tell us so, and we take the responsibility this brings us very seriously. You’ll be joining our existing Local Democracy Reporter in Essex as we expand coverage across the county.

You will be part of one of the most dynamic newsrooms in the UK, playing a pivotal role in the 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 based opportunity however due to the nature of the role this person will need to be based in the area.

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 at Essex Live, working with its brilliant team of dedicated and enthusiastic journalists. You will be responsible for covering Essex County Council, ensuring meetings and key decisions are reported as well as building contacts and breaking exclusive lines.

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 good knowledge of social media and the way it can be used to drive audience and engagement. We are seeking candidates with formal journalist training (including shorthand and media law) and with two years experience – although in some cases exceptional, newly-qualified journalists may be considered.

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.

So, Who Are We?

We are Reach plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the 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 if you apply as it really helps us out!