Senior Local Democracy Reporter

Application Deadline: 4 November 2026

Department: Editorial

Location: York

Description

Are you passionate about public interest journalism and holding decision-makers to account?

We're looking for a Local Democracy Reporter to deliver impartial, authoritative coverage of local government and public bodies, helping communities understand the decisions that shape their everyday lives.

Funded as part of the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service, this role offers a unique opportunity to specialise in local democracy, covering council meetings, scrutinising public spending and policy decisions, and producing engaging stories that inform and empower local audiences.

Working closely with editors and community contacts, you'll produce high-quality multimedia content across digital, print, and social platforms while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious journalist who enjoys investigative reporting, thrives on accountability journalism, and can turn complex policy discussions into compelling stories that matter to local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Report on the decisions, policies and activities of local councils and other public authorities.
• Attend and cover council meetings, committees and other public forums, producing accurate and timely reports.
• Scrutinise agendas, reports and public documents to identify important stories and issues affecting local communities.
• Create compelling multimedia content, including written articles, photography, video and audio.
• Deliver live coverage of significant meetings and events where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with councillors, officials, community groups and key stakeholders.
• Produce content that is engaging, audience-focused and optimised for digital platforms and search.
• Uphold the highest standards of impartiality, accuracy and legal compliance across all content.
• Use social media professionally to engage audiences, promote stories and develop community contacts.
• Contribute ideas that increase understanding of local democracy and encourage civic engagement.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NCTJ-qualified journalist with 100wpm shorthand, or working towards completion of the NCTJ Gold Standard Diploma.
• Strong news writing skills with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and accurately.
• Experience working to daily deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
• Excellent understanding of media law, journalism ethics and editorial standards.
• Knowledge of local government structures, democratic processes and public affairs, or a strong willingness to develop this expertise.
• Strong interviewing, research and contact-building skills.
• Experience producing digital and multimedia content, including photography, video or audio.
• Confident using social media to source stories, engage audiences and promote journalism responsibly.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Shorthand proficiency is desirable.
  
  

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
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day