Are you a passionate, self-starting journalist interested in local decision-making and its impact on Islanders?

The perfect job has come up on the Isle of Wight.

You will be reporting from the heart of local politics at the Isle of Wight Council's County Hall in Newport and across the Island, holding the local authority and decision-makers to account.

Based at the Isle of Wight County Press, as part of the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) Service, your stories will be shared across a host of Island and south coast media, online, in print and on air. Your work could also feature in the national press.

Outgoing LDR Louise Hill has held the position since September 2019.

She said: "In the four (and a bit) years I have been the LDR for the Island I have loved it — from covering a change in council administration and school closures to uncollected waste bins and trees being planted, no day is the same! 

"The role of LDR is a vitally important one as it means you are in the council chamber, hearing all the crucial decisions being made which affect our day-to-day lives.

"I would recommend the job to anyone interested in holding public authorities to account, those who like to dig behind a story and find the truth … and those who don’t mind reading a lot of reports and attending meetings!"

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, confidence and an eye for detail, as well as the ability to write engaging copy, seek out exclusives and generate off-diary news.

An understanding of the importance of video, audio and images, and how they enhance a story, would be ideal.

As the LDR, you will dig out the stories that really matter and develop contacts along the way.

Knowledge of the Isle of Wight and a passion for the way local government works are crucial.

The vacancy could suit a senior reporter looking to expand their career, or an outstanding newly-qualified reporter with an NCTJ qualification.

The LDR Service is a national scheme, designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of councils across the UK.

To apply, or for more information, click here.

Applications will be considered as soon as they are received and the vacancy will close no later than April 12.

Newsquest Media Group is one of the UK's largest newspaper and website publishers.  As well as a competitive salary, we also offer generous benefits including:  

Contributory Pension  

Perks & Discounts at various retail outlets  

Opportunities for team building and training days  

25 days paid holiday + statutory bank holidays + your birthday day off

Structured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews  

Discount Vouchers  

Discounted Gym membership  

Cycle to Work scheme  

Mental Health Support via Lifeworks  

Eye test vouchers plus £50 towards new glasses.  

Annual Volunteer Charity Day  

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities, as part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will consider any adjustments that could help you.