Press gallery diversity scheme launched

Parliamentary reporting is one of the most exciting and rewarding fields of journalism. The Press Gallery Diversity Scheme is to help journalists from a black and minority ethnic background to pursue a career in this challenging and fascinating environment.

The aims are to increase the diversity of reporters in House of Commons and to enhance the reporting of Parliament to Britain’s varied communities. It is organised by journalists who work in the Press Gallery and supported by the Serjeant at Arms, who is in charge of security and facilities at Westminster.

Journalists awarded places on the scheme will become temporary full members of the Press Gallery, typically for a three-month period, and will be issued with a security pass to access Parliament, subject to vetting. To qualify for a place, they must be staffers for an established media organisation and they will be expected to find and file stories to their employer while on the scheme. They get plenty of advice from political journalists and the opportunity to meet MPs and make “career contacts” with political editors and potential future employers.

You will get a desk, security clearance and a warm welcome. The first few days would include being shown around the facilities for reporters in Parliament and introduced to useful colleagues. The Serjeant at Arms’ department has offered to arrange a tour of Parliament for each person taking part.

The rest is up to you. After a settling-in period, you will need to find fresh news stories to keep your employer happy. There are plenty of reports, interview opportunities, fascinating statistics and lively debates to report at Westminster. The scheme is aimed at self-starters with a mature attitude who can manage their own time, although help and advice will always be close at hand.

Does it mean I’ll get a job as a political journalist?

No, but it may open doors if you have talent and a determination to succeed. You will meet many political journalists, including some who may in future be looking for new staff.

What type of person should apply?

You must have a mature attitude and be able to blend into a specialist and demanding environment where good sense and discretion are vital. You will also need to be highly motivated and able to work productively away from your regular office. As a guest of Parliament you must adhere strictly to security requirements and will be responsible to the Press Gallery for your behaviour.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is open to full-time reporters from a black and minority ethnic background. It would particularly suit local government correspondents or other specialists, as well as senior reporters on newspapers or broadcast media serving a black and minority ethnic audience. Unfortunately, it is not open to freelancers nor to newspaper are already represented represented in the Press Gallery.

Only three or four places a year will be available, so there may be a waiting list.

I am an editor – what’s in it for me?

A source of stories from your temporary “man in Parliament” and, afterwards, a senior reporter with better contacts and a deeper understanding of political reporting. It is also a practical opportunity to promote diversity among journalists.

What else is required?

If you are shortlisted, your employer will have to confirm to us that you can commit to working regularly in the Press Gallery for up to three months (although it is accepted that some may only be able to manage a few days a week). Your employer will also have to pay your expenses. To speed up security clearance, a senior community figure like a headmaster or lawyer should provide a supporting letter.

How do I apply?

Please send your cv and covering letter outlining your reasons for applying and your long term goals to: The Administrator, Parliamentary Press Gallery, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

Closing date for the placement commencing October 2010 is Friday 3rd September.