The Crime Correspondent is responsible for covering breaking crime stories, working with the Crime Editor to lead the Telegraph’s coverage of key crime events and court cases, and finding exclusive stories on the patch.

They are required to build and maintain contacts within the field of crime, including with the police, Home Office, unions, lawyers, victims’ groups and campaigners.

They will write stories for the newspaper and the Telegraph website, with an understanding of how best to present stories online.

The Crime Correspondent works closely with the Crime Editor, news editors, and other news reporters and specialists, and other journalists across the newspaper.

Key responsibilities

• The Crime Correspondent is responsible for covering breaking crime stories, planning for and covering court cases, and producing exclusive stories to run at the end of trials. They will be required to travel nationally and internationally when necessary
• They are expected to bring in exclusive, agenda-setting news stories. The successful candidate for this role will progress to writing front-page stories and articles which lead the website
• They will support the Crime Editor to secure the best coverage of the crime patch for the Daily Telegraph, including of official crime data
• They are expected to write accurate, clear, and concise news stories in house style
• They need to be comfortable speaking to members of the public who may have witnessed crimes, be family members of victims of crime, or be crime victims themselves
• They are expected to meet tight deadlines and to organise their schedule around the deadline demands of the newsroom
• Under pressure, they are expected to identify the best line for a potential story and relay that information to news editors clearly and concisely
• They are responsible for ensuring stories are accurate and legally compliant
• They are expected to have an understanding of the stories which attract readers online and that readers and subscribers to the Daily Telegraph are interested in. Through their articles, they will help the company to reach its goal of attracting and retaining more subscribers online

Key skills

• Experience working within the newsroom of a national media organisation or equivalent is essential. A proven track record as a reporter is desirable for this role
• Experience in court reporting is essential, as is knowledge of all relevant media law
• An ability to write clear, an accurate copy is essential
• A proven ability to develop sources and contacts is essential
• It is essential that candidates are able to process large amounts of detailed information quickly and accurately
• It is essential to be highly organised and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously while effectively prioritising different tasks
• It is essential to be a strong verbal communicator, who is able to explain stories succinctly and clearly to editors
• Knowledge of how best to present stories online is desirable
• Experience working with data to find news stories is desirable

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.