Do you want to work in journalism?

Do you want to write about work that makes a difference to people’s lives?

Interested in how our towns, cities and natural environment are shaped by politics and market forces?

If so, this could be the opportunity for you. 

Planning, the leading source of intelligence about the UK planning system, is looking for a reporter.

A degree of 2:1 level or above, excellent writing and research skills and a forensic eye for detail are essential. 

Journalistic experience is not needed (although we would also be interested in applications from trained journalists). Nor is an existing understanding of planning.  What we are seeking is curiosity and a willingness to learn - training will be provided.

Our team of nine produces a website, weekly Room 106 podcast and several daily and weekly bulletins, circulating to nearly 7,000 paid users.

Planning is part of Haymarket Business Media. This role will be based at our offices in Twickenham, with flexibility to work from home two days a week. The successful candidate will report to the deputy editor.

Haymarket is an international specialist media company. We have over 60 market-leading brands in the consumer and B2B markets across the UK, US, Asia, India and Germany, connecting people and communities across digital, print, festivals, awards, conferences, and exhibitions. 

Main responsibilities

• Writing accurate, well-informed news and analysis to deadline
• Finding news stories by monitoring a wide range of sources, following up stories and contact-building
• Representing the Planning brand in person and through social media platforms  
• Maintaining tracker services
• Contributing to the podcast
• Helping to research and write in-depth market and data reports, and other long-form content

Person Specification:  

• excellent writing skills
• persistence, energy and productivity
• a keen eye for detail and accuracy
• Ability to use spreadsheets to sort and analyse data 
• curiosity about the subject matter
• good at managing internal and external relationships
• strong organisational skills, with the ability to juggle deadlines and priorities
• ability to use your own initiative

Our benefits include: 

• Competitive salary, plus bonus potential 
• Comprehensive training and career development programme 
• 25 days holiday per year excluding bank holidays (increasing 1 day per year of service up to 30 days) 
• Flexible working schedule (core hours from 11-3) 
• Generous contributory pension scheme  
• Access to Perk-box
• Health Cash Plan 
• Family friendly policies 
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan 
• Regular individual and team rewards and incentives for outstanding performance.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring that all candidates are given the same opportunity to succeed regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age or disability.