Local Democracy Reporter

At DC Thomson we are a business with a purpose – to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We are home to some of the world’s best loved media brands, organised around local news and radio, companionship, kids, advocacy, energy, puzzles and hobbies.

The Courier, The Press & Journal, The Sunday Post, Beano, Stylist, Puzzler, The People’s Friend, My Weekly, bunkered, Energy Voice, Findmypast and Brightsolid are just some of the brands you might know us for.

Deeply rooted in our communities, we are investing in data, technology and talent to unlock a new level of understanding about what really matters to our customers. This is how we are shaping the future of media.

We’re changing the way we work to create a flexible, collaborative, learning-led culture that draws on expertise from across the organisation to create award-winning content and cultural moments that make audiences want to be part of our communities.

Our HQ is in Dundee and we have bases around the UK employing over 1,200 extraordinarily creative colleagues working in a mix of office/home/hybrid. They’re passionate about being part of the story of so many well-loved brands and they’re crucial to our ambitions for the company.

We’re looking for the best people to join us at DC Thomson, to share their energy, ideas and skills and be part of our story.

Why join us now?

DC Thomson is on an exciting transformation journey to growth. Our brands matter to people and we are passionate about sustaining meaningful relationships with the communities these brands serve.

Focused on creating brilliant content and experiences that inspire our audiences and communities.

THE ROLE

Do you have the journalistic passion, drive and skill to get under the skin of local government in Scotland?

If so, we have the perfect job for you based in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. This role could be worked either full-time or it would also suit someone looking for part-time/school hours.

As part of a partnership with the BBC, The Press and Journal is looking for an outstanding journalist to join our Local Democracy Reporting team.

The successful candidate will get to the heart of council life in the Highlands and seek out the stories that really matter to the communities they serve.

This could be anything from the state of the area’s roads, the challenges facing leisure services or the problematic school literacy figures.

An important and exciting role, the Local Democracy Reporter will hold the council administration for the Highlands to account, scrutinise the services they provide and shine a light wherever taxpayer cash is being spent.

Never has that been more important than in the current period of huge financial challenge, which is putting stress and strain on councils across Scotland and impacting directly on the lives of ordinary families.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be responsible for covering council meetings and key decisions in their area, and ensuring audiences are kept informed and engaged on local democratic issues.

They should provide reliable, fair, balanced and timely multimedia content on Local Democracy issues in their area.

The Local Democracy Reporter post available is to cover Highland Council and will be based in The Press and Journal’s Inverness office.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service, the remit of which extends to other publicly funded organisations, has been expanded and now includes more reporters and even greater coverage of what is happening in town and city halls across the country.

Content produced through the scheme will appear in DC Thomson Media's newspapers and associated websites and is also made available to other media involved in the scheme.

If you would like to hear directly from some Local Democracy Reporters describing their work and their roles, please watch this short video: https://www.stage.bbc.co.uk/lnp/ldrs/ldr_advice

To be a serious contender you must:

· Have good writing skills, up-to-date knowledge of media law and 100 wpm shorthand

· Be a qualified journalist, hold National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) (or similar) qualification, or have a proven track record as a reporter in a daily news environment

· Have excellent social media skills

· Be capable of working under pressure and identifying priorities

· Be familiar with digital tools and techniques across a range of devices and platforms

· Have a strong understanding of the working and processes of local government

· Have demonstrable experience of delivering great ideas for content

· A track-record in strong contact-building

· Proficiency in taking images, shooting video and gathering audio

To apply for this fixed term role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.

This is a part-time role role until the 30th June 2025, working from our Inverness Office. The role presents the opportunity for hybrid working that must include regular office attendance. We offer a generous package including 34 days holiday, Health Cash Plan, excellent Pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristics.