A regional publisher has launched a job opportunity platform that will allow journalism students and working journalists to view freelance shifts and staff roles on offer.

Reach plc has announced the launch of the new ‘talent pool’ programme across its regional Live network, which journalism students, new graduates and more established journalists will be invited to join.

Participants will get “first sight” of new permanent roles offered by the group as well as extra available freelances shifts across Reach’s titles, in a move the publisher hopes will increase the diversity of its “editorial talent pipeline”.

The group says there will be a mixture of shifts available in the pool meaning applicants can work from home or on a specific patch. They will also have free access to Reach Academy’s library of resources, including skills sessions, videos and live networking events.

Training sessions will both be in-person and virtual on topics including search engine optimisation, social best practice, career development, media law, inclusive reporting, court & crime, live reporting, TV & trending, newsgathering, newsletters and podcasts.

The project has been spearheaded by audience and content director Ed Walker and senior editor for training and development Steve Thompson, in conjunction with Reach’s inclusion team.

Steve, pictured, said: “The Reach talent pool has been set up with the aim of kick-starting the careers of the brightest and best new journalists and to simplify the process for those freelancers already working with us.

“We know how hard it can be for talented people to get their foot in the door and hope this will help people build their experience, knowledge and network of contacts while they may still be looking for a permanent role.”

Julie Humphreys, Reach group head of diversity and inclusion, added: “The talent pool represents an important step forward for the diversity of Reach’s editorial talent pipeline, granting dozens of new journalists access to our learning opportunities, as well as giving them the chance to get to know and learn from our senior editors – connections which can be priceless for someone starting their career.

“We will work with the NCTJ and the Journalism Diversity Fund, as well as our other partners such as MyGWork, Evenbreak, Vercida and WeAreBlackJournos to ensure our Talent Pool group is truly inclusive.”

Those interested in signing up to the pool can do so here.