The Parliamentary Press Gallery has launched a diversity scheme aimed at getting journalists from a black and ethnic minority background into political journalism.
The scheme places the journalists in the role of a temporary member of the Press Gallery, for around three months. Applicants must be from an “established media organisation” which they will be expected to file stories to while on the programme.
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.