Community reporter - Henley Standard

Baylis Community Media CIC is seeking a confident and focused community reporter to provide on-the-ground coverage for the Henley Standard newspaper.

You'll help maintain the Henley Standard's reputation as a comprehensive paper of record by reporting on the people, organisations and events that shape life across our communities.

Previous journalism experience is welcome but not essential.

We welcome applications from anyone with an eye for a good story, strong writing skills, and a passion for community.

Training and the opportunity to work towards a journalism qualification will be provided.

Key responsibilities

• Spend the majority of your time meeting people, attending events and acting as an ambassador for the newspaper – this is not a desk job
• Manage a district page to provide weekly updates on community activities, including news briefs, event coverage and diary stories
• Report on the activities of clubs and groups including the Women’s Institute, Rotary, Lions, uniformed youth groups, charities, civic societies and parish councils
• Regularly report on weekend events on a rota basis
• Act as a voice for vulnerable, isolated or marginalised members of society who might otherwise not receive coverage in the local press
• Be a community champion who promotes the good work of groups and individuals

Requirements

• Strong writing and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail (assessed during the recruitment process)
• A passion for, and understanding of community journalism
• Confidence approaching and interviewing people from all walks of life
• Curiosity and a willingness to find and tell the stories that matter
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential, as the role involves travelling across the patch
• Experience of working with community groups or charities is desirable
• Photography and basic photo editing skills are beneficial

About Baylis Community Media CIC

We are an award-winning multi-media organisation with three weekly titles, based in Maidenhead and Henley 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 entry-level salary and five weeks of paid annual leave, we will provide full newsroom support and the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised NCTJ qualification while you work.

You will be able to use our offices in Henley and Maidenhead as a base, but you will also be given all the tools you need for working away from the office.