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From potholes to bin collections, local schools and new business development initiatives, every one of us is affected by the decisions that councils make. As the Local Democracy Reporter, your job will be to hold councils and other local democratic institutions to account.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning that your stories will be seen on a variety of sites.
You will have the opportunity to set the local news agenda and report on a thriving, growing district set against the rural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
The role is principally home-based, alongside attending meetings in person and online. The team you will be reporting to is friendly and full of experience.
JournalismLocal politicsPublic affairsReportingCommunication
Requirements
Candidates should have a strong interest in local politics and public affairs, along with the ability to communicate complex stories clearly. A proactive, self-motivated approach to journalism and the ability to work both independently and within a team are essential.
Job Description
Local Democracy Reporter
Application Deadline: 9 October 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Bradford
Reporting To: Nigel Burton
Description
An opportunity has arisen for a reporter to cover the Calderdale patch for the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Reporting to Newsquest’s West Yorkshire team, the reporter will be responsible for covering democratic bodies in the Halifax district, including Calderdale Council.
From potholes to bin collections, local schools and new business development initiatives, every one of us is affected by the decisions that councils make. As the Local Democracy Reporter, your job will be to hold councils and other local democratic institutions to account.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning that your stories will be seen on a variety of sites.
You will have the opportunity to set the local news agenda and report on a thriving, growing district set against the rural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
The role is principally home-based, alongside attending meetings in person and online. The team you will be reporting to is friendly and full of experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Cover democratic bodies across Calderdale, including Calderdale Council.
- Attend and report on council meetings and other local democratic forums.
- Hold councils and local democratic institutions to account through accurate, engaging reporting.
- Identify and deliver stories that affect local communities.
- Set the local news agenda across the Calderdale patch.
- Work flexibly from home while attending meetings in person and online as required.
- Produce content that can be shared across the Local Democracy Reporting Service network and partner publishers.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- A strong interest in local politics, democracy and public affairs.
- The ability to uncover engaging stories and communicate them clearly to readers.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach to journalism.
- An eye for detail and a commitment to accurate reporting.
- Comfortable attending and reporting on meetings, including occasional evening commitments.
- Able to work independently while contributing to an experienced team.
- A go-getter mentality with a passion for serving local audiences through high-quality journalism.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice
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Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
Skills
JournalismLocal politicsPublic affairsReportingCommunicationResearchAttention to detailSelf-motivationIndependent workingTeamwork