Are you passionate about democracy, transparency and holding power to account?
Do you want to break essential public interest stories about issues affecting local communities?
We have an exciting opportunity to join us as a local democracy reporter (LDR), covering the activities of local authorities in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is funded by the BBC, but you will be employed by Baylis Community Media CIC – publisher of the award-winning Slough & Windsor Express and Maidenhead Advertiser.
As an LDR, you will have your ear to the ground on decisions being made by councils and provide a voice for the communities affected.
By scouring agendas, sifting through official documents, and attending council and public meetings, you will cut through the spin to keep readers informed on everything from bin collections to multi-million-pound investments.
We are looking for a politically-minded and tenacious reporter who will build strong relationships with councillors, stakeholders, community leaders and residents to get the inside track and ensure local authorities are accountable and transparent.
As well as reporting on meeting decisions in a clear, reader-friendly and balanced style, you will delve deeper into the complexities of local government and produce off-diary stories.
This is a hybrid role, with some days working in our Maidenhead office.
Your stories will be uploaded to a news wire, where they will be available to a variety of local news publishers and the BBC.
About You
* You will have an NCTJ ‘gold standard’ diploma (or equivalent) or NQJ qualification, including 100wpm shorthand
* Proven journalism experience is highly desirable, as well as a strong understanding of the workings of local politics
* LDRs must be able to uphold the highest standards of journalistic accuracy and balance, while producing clean and clear reports to tight deadlines
* You will be a strong communicator with excellent contact-building skills
* Effective use of social media and familiarity with digital tools are required for the role
* You will be expected to travel across the patch to attend meetings and other local authority events
About Baylis Community Media CIC
We are an award-winning multi-media organisation with three weekly titles, based in Maidenhead and covering East Berkshire, South Bucks and South Oxfordshire.
We publish the Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough & Windsor Express, and Henley Standard along with their growing websites and busy social media accounts.
Baylis Community Media CIC is one of the few truly independent newspaper publishers left in the country, and our communities and trusted public interest journalism are at the heart of everything we do.
As well as a competitive salary and five weeks of paid annual leave, you will be given the chance to develop your multi-media skills and work in a supportive and constructive environment.
You will also be given all the tools you need for hybrid working.
How To Apply
To apply, email your CV, covering letter, and any examples of your work tojamesp@baylismedia.co.ukbyWednesday, June 18.
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