This role is advertised as part of our BBC Extend programme for disabled people. To apply for this role you should identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and must meet either: the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010), or the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) if applying in Northern Ireland. You're broadly defined as disabled under both acts if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative or adverse effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. This definition includes both apparent and non-apparent conditions and impairments, and medical conditions such as Cancer, HIV or Multiple Sclerosis.


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Job Introduction
Do you love investigating topics and digging into detail? Are you a fan of EastEnders and are keen to learn how the show commits to its accurate and authentic representation of the varied issues it tackles?

EastEnders is a multi-award-winning soap broadcast four times a week. It currently ranks as one of the most watched TV dramas in the UK tackling many controversial and taboo issues previously unseen on television in the UK.

The Trainee Researcher will be given the exciting opportunity to work alongside the Script and Story Researchers who provide support to the editorial and writing team, to identify and carry out research activities on any subject matter through the story and script process.??As someone who watches EastEnders, you'll know our storylines can be dramatic and hard-hitting. This means exploring a broad range of social issues including police procedures, medical processes, relationship breakdowns, and various other complex, often sensitive and potentially traumatic storylines, which may be impacting the characters of Albert Square. ?

You will gain an invaluable insight and hands-on experience in the skills required to interrogate and fine tune storylines and scripts by identifying potential issues and generating practical and suitable alternative solutions to ensure authentic and accurate storytelling, while preserving the essence of the original intention of the script or story.?

We're looking for someone who is passionate about social issues and committed to learning and embracing all the opportunity at EastEnders has to offer. This role is perfect for anyone looking for a first step into the world of researching and/or scripted drama and has a real creative flare for all things editorial.?

Main Responsibilities
The role of the Trainee Researcher reports to the Research Script and Story Teams and will be guided by the Senior Researcher before actioning decisions.

As a Trainee Researcher you will learn the following and, as your skills develop, aim to take on some or all of these duties:

Support Research, Story and Script teams to test potential storylines and character developments for consistency and credibility
Read storyline material to identify and report on possible areas of research, and issues, detailing every side of the argument?
Assess all scripts to ensure the continuity of research in story lines and the accuracy of any factually based dialogue?
Alert Script Editors and Writers to any difficulties or inconsistencies which may arise from research, including suggesting ideas and possible alternatives.
Where appropriate and advised by the Senior Researcher, refer to the Script Producer to resolve doubts or competing views that may arise in relation to the script at any time
As you build up your level of experience and duties, you will learn to produce clear and concise monthly story documents with sufficient detail to ensure clarity for writers and all departments within production
Identify, and where necessary, assist with establishing and maintaining relationships with experts in specific fields, including awareness of any potential fees and initial negotiation of payments where appropriate?
Arrange and conduct your own research meetings with expert advisors, make notes and write reports based on the information you receive?
Ensure close co-operation and communication with all departments at EastEnders?and work with transparency, keeping co-workers informed of the progress of workflow?
Attend, as necessary, all planning and commissioning meetings
Attend story meetings and, when permitted by the team, give research notes and ideas to support stories?
Stay up to date with current affairs and social and cultural movements particularly as they pertain to London and look for opportunities to feed this information into story?
Undertake all necessary administrative tasks required for the department and team?

Are you the right candidate?
We're looking for applicants who have a keen and active interest in the world of TV production and are passionate about the power of storytelling. You will be a hardworking creative, keen and willing to learn, and are looking for their first step into the world of scripted storytelling.?

The successful candidate will also need to display a flare for writing, an ability to work to tight deadlines and as part of a team - and be able to think creatively.

An enthusiasm for research and soap - especially EastEnders - is essential.??

We would ideally also require the following:?

Demonstrable interest in working in TV drama. This can be evidenced through work experience, reading and writing scripts and general passion and enthusiasm for the medium
Experience of establishing and maintaining office and administration systems
Understanding of handling confidential and/or controversial information with tact and sensitivity
An ability to horizon-scan potential problems and evidence of how you have positively resolved issues in the past with this type of approach
Proficiency with computers, especially Microsoft Suite applications
Ability to prioritise a workload?and evidence of juggling several deadlines simultaneously

Package Description
Contract: 12 Month FTC /Attachment
Band: A
Salary: £22,000
Base: BBC Elstree Centre, Borehamwood