Local Democracy Reporter - Essexlive

What will the role involve?

• A day in the life of a Local Democracy Reporter looks like this

• Youll be covering the key business of the Hertfordshire district councils as well as the political and social issues affecting the community

• Making sure you cover the council meetings and key decisions in a timely manner

• You will build contacts, understand and explore the key issues, write features and break exclusives with your work having the potential to also be shown on the BBC Homepage

Who are we looking for?

• You are an NCTJ qualified journalist (or currently be working towards this), with an understanding and interest in the issues of your local community

• Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is desirable

• You have the ability to pull the stories out of the local council meetings that our readers want to know about

• A good knowledge of social media and how you can use it to drive audience and engagement from the people in your area is an advantage

• Youre interested by the local council and government, want to hold politicians to account and ensure the local community are heard

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and well match contributions up to 6%

• 25 days holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years service with Reach, youll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme

• Giving back day - an additional days leave each year to support a cause close to your heart

• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and youll be eligible after just six months employment

• Private Healthcare Cash Plan - free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses

• As one of the UKs top 50 Inclusive Employers everyones invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive

• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest

• Awesome career opportunities - youll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes

• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

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.