The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is seeking a talented and rigorous fact checker and researcher to join our award-winning organisation. We are looking for a fastidious, detail-oriented person to ensure our work is accurate and fair, initially on a 12-month contract.

You will have experience in upholding standards for ethical journalism or research, as well as clear communication skills and a passion for accuracy. You will care about investigative journalism across the world and understand the importance of collaboration.

About TBIJ

TBIJ is the UK’s largest independent investigative journalism organisation. We exist to inform the public about the realities of power in today’s world. Our investigations expose systemic wrongs, challenge misinformation and spark change. With no corporate or political agenda, we bring to light serious issues affecting individuals and communities in the UK and around the world. We work strategically and collaboratively to maximise the impact of our reporting and share our findings openly with local, national and international media outlets to reach as many people as possible.

About The Team

As fact checker you will be joining TBIJ’s production team, which plays a significant role in every investigation we publish.

TBIJ’s groundbreaking investigations tell stories that others have not or cannot. We work with freelancers and publications around the world to report collaboratively and get the inside take on some of the world’s most pressing and unjust issues. Our award-winning work has reached millions across the globe through these partnerships, including online, in print, on TV and on radio.

We put impact at the heart of the reporting we do. Our fact-checking process reassures our readers, from government policy makers to community members, that they can confidently rely on our reporting to enact real change in the world.

About The Role

Here at TBIJ, we believe the purpose of investigative journalism is to keep democracy strong by holding power in check. This means giving people the information they need to spark positive change in the world.

As our fact checker you will be playing a key role to ensure our work is bullet-proof before it is published. The ideal candidate will have some experience in journalistic ethics and values, research and communication. You will maintain and update our fact-checking guidelines and train new members of staff on how to check their own and others’ work. You will also support wider editorial work when needed, including by researching topics and preparing explainer articles.

You will be a good fit if you have:

• Research experience (academic or professional)

• A healthy level of scepticism and a desire to get to the factual core of things

• A passion for making sure things are accurate and up to date

• Diligence and attention to detail

• The ability to understand data sets and spreadsheets

• Experience working across different topics, including handling sensitive and/or distressing material

• A collaborative approach to working

• A passion for accountability journalism

• Clear communication skill

Additional desirable experience and skills for this role might include:

• Data journalism skills

• Creativity and original thinking

• An understanding of media law and journalistic ethics

We envisage this as a full-time role, primarily based in our London office, but as TBIJ is committed to supporting people who require a more flexible approach to working this is open to discussion. TBIJ is committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer providing opportunities for all, where people can come to do their best work. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from communities or backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the media industry.

You don’t need to tick every box in this ad – we are committed to hiring people with potential. If you feel like you lack some specific experience but have the necessary drive and passion, please don’t be deterred from applying or getting in touch with any questions.

Benefits

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave

• Additional gifted leave during Christmas festive break

• Flexible working arrangements such as flexible hours

• Hybrid working

• Employee assistance programme

• Enhanced sick pay

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 12 months service

• Learning and development opportunities

• Cycle to work scheme

Salary and Contract

Contract: Full-time role, initial 12-month fixed term contract, with the possibility of extension
Salary: £36,000 – £38,000 depending on experience
Location: London office – hybrid working
Reports to: Production Editor

How To Apply

Potential candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Frankie Goodway at factcheckerjob@tbij.com

If you need support with your application, such as reasonable adjustments, or want to ask any questions about the job before submitting an application, please contact Frankie Goodway at factcheckerjob@tbij.com

You will need to have the right to live and work in the UK.

Deadline for application is 12 February 2024 and we aim to schedule interviews week commencing 19 February 2024.

Please also fill out our anonymous equality monitoring form here, so we can better track who we are reaching.

Our values

• Just: We are committed to pursuing what is right. We act with integrity and fairness to bring injustice to light.

• Honest: We deal plainly and truthfully with each other and what we uncover. We reveal the truth even when it is uncomfortable.

• Courageous: We aim to break new ground. We are ambitious, tenacious, and innovative.

• Inclusive: We seek to build equity. We embrace diversity, different experiences and perspectives.

• Collaborative: We believe people are stronger when they work together. We take a collective approach to how we tackle problems, share skills, and enable change.