Local Democracy Reporter

NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP; Hexham; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company seeks a Local Democracy Reporter to cover local government and politics from its office in Kendal. The role involves attending council meetings, writing compelling stories, and working within a flexible hybrid model. Candidates should possess strong journalism standards, an NCTJ qualification, and a passion for local issues. This opportunity comes with competitive benefits including holiday schemes, ongoing training, and various perks to promote well-being.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off

Holiday buy scheme

Structured career progression & ongoing training

Pension plan

Mental health support

Gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)

Retail discounts

Team building days

Annual volunteer charity day

Qualifications

• Outstanding knowledge and passion for local government.
• Strong ability to write engaging, accurate, and compelling content.
• Commitment to high standards of journalism and public service reporting.

Responsibilities

• Cover politics and local government as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
• Attend and report on council meetings, including some evening sessions.
• Produce agenda-setting stories that support the BBC’s public journalism programme.
• Ensure stories are published across multiple print and online platforms.
• Work collaboratively with an award-winning team.

Skills

Excellent knowledge and passion for local government

Ability to write engaging, accurate and compelling content

Strong news sense

NCTJ qualification

Ability to work flexibly

Commitment to high standards of journalism

Education

NCTJ qualification

Job description

Local Democracy Reporter

Application Deadline: 5 January 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Hexham

Reporting To: Joy Yates

The Westmorland Gazette and daily title The Mail are looking for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s busy Cumbrian newsrooms – as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.

You will join a team with an award-winning track record of agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme.

The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career. Applications will also be considered from outstanding newly NCTJ-qualified reporters.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, so your stories will be seen in numerous print and online products.

It’s a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, but also provides a good work‑life balance.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary. The role will be based out of the Westmorland Gazette’s beautifully situated Kendal office as part of a flexible hybrid model with some days working from home.

The closing date for applications is 5th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submit your details as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Cover politics and local government as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
• Attend and report on council meetings, including some evening sessions.
• Produce agenda-setting stories that support the BBC’s public journalism programme.
• Ensure stories are published across multiple print and online platforms.
• Work collaboratively with an award-winning team and contribute to regional news coverage.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Excellent knowledge and passion for local government.
• Ability to write engaging, accurate and compelling content.
• Strong news sense and ability to identify stories that matter to local communities.
• NCTJ qualification (applications considered from newly qualified reporters).
• Ability to work flexibly and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to high standards of journalism and public service reporting.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan & mental health support
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day