UK Journalism Resources Library
Curated resources for working UK journalists — from legal guides and FOI templates to training opportunities and mental health support.
37 resources
NUJ Freelance Fees Guide
The NUJ's recommended minimum rates for freelance journalists across print, broadcast and digital. Updated regularly.
Visit SiteFreelance Rate Calculator
Our interactive tool to estimate what you should charge based on assignment type, publication tier and experience level.
Open Tool →Invoice Template for Freelancers
A professional invoice template designed for UK freelance journalists. Includes VAT fields and payment terms.
Download →Pitch Email Template
A proven pitch email structure that UK editors respond to. Customisable for different publication types.
Download →HMRC Self-Employment Guide
Official HMRC guidance on registering as self-employed, tax returns, and allowable expenses for freelance journalists.
Visit SiteDefamation Act 2013 — Quick Guide
Summary of the Defamation Act 2013, the serious harm test, available defences, and practical tips for avoiding claims.
Read Guide →Contempt of Court Act 1981
Key provisions of the Contempt of Court Act that UK journalists must know, including strict liability and active proceedings.
Visit SiteSLAPPs Defence Guide
Understanding Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation and how UK journalists can protect themselves.
Read Guide →Reporting Restrictions Quick Reference
Common reporting restrictions in UK courts including Section 4(2), Section 11, and youth court anonymity.
Read Guide →Media Lawyers Directory
List of specialist media law firms in the UK that offer pre-publication advice and defend press freedom cases.
View Directory →FOI Request Templates
Ready-to-send Freedom of Information request letter templates for NHS trusts, police forces, councils and government departments.
Download →WhatDoTheyKnow
Platform to search existing FOI requests and submit new ones to any UK public authority. Run by mySociety.
Visit SiteICO FOI Guidance
The Information Commissioner's detailed guidance on how the Freedom of Information Act 2000 works.
Visit SiteUK Data Explorer Tools
Links to key UK open data portals: data.gov.uk, ONS, NHS Digital, and police.uk data downloads.
Visit SiteEnvironmental Information Regulations
Guide to using EIR requests to obtain environmental data from UK public bodies — often more effective than FOI.
Visit SiteUK National Media Directory
Sample directory of UK national newspapers, their editorial desks, and tips for pitching to each title.
View Directory →Regional Press Directory
Key regional newspapers and media groups across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with contact tips.
View Directory →ResponseSource
Platform connecting UK journalists with press offices and PR professionals. Free for journalists.
Visit SitePress Gazette
UK's leading journalism trade publication. News about the media industry, job listings, and Press Awards.
Visit SiteJournalism.co.uk
Online resource for UK journalists with news, training listings, and practical guides.
Visit SiteDatawrapper
Free data visualisation tool perfect for creating charts, maps and tables for news stories. No coding required.
Visit SiteHemingway Editor
Free writing tool that highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and readability issues. Great for tightening copy.
Visit SiteOtter.ai
AI-powered transcription tool for interviews. Free tier includes 300 minutes per month — useful for UK journalists.
Visit SiteCanva
Free design tool for creating social media graphics, infographics and visual content for stories.
Visit SiteSignal Messenger
End-to-end encrypted messaging app recommended for secure communication with sources.
Visit SiteOSINT Framework
Collection of open-source intelligence tools and resources. Essential for investigative UK journalists.
Visit SiteNCTJ Qualifications
National Council for the Training of Journalists — the industry-standard qualification body for UK journalists.
Visit SiteGoogle News Initiative Training
Free online training modules from Google covering verification, data journalism, and digital skills.
Visit SiteReuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
Oxford University research centre offering fellowships, reports, and training for journalists worldwide.
Visit SiteBritish Journalism Awards
Annual awards by the Press Gazette recognising excellence in UK journalism across multiple categories.
Visit SiteOrwell Prize for Journalism
One of the UK's most prestigious journalism prizes, awarded annually for outstanding political writing.
Visit SiteBBC Academy
Free online journalism training courses from the BBC covering news writing, mobile journalism and more.
Visit SitePTSD & Trauma Support for Journalists
Specialist counselling and support services for UK journalists who have experienced trauma through their work.
Read Guide →Mind — Workplace Wellbeing
Mental health charity Mind's resources for managing stress, anxiety and depression in high-pressure work environments.
Visit SiteSamaritans
24/7 emotional support line (116 123). Free to call from any UK phone. Also available via email: jo@samaritans.org.
Visit SiteDart Centre for Journalism & Trauma
Global resource for journalists covering trauma. Provides training, research, and self-care guides.
Visit SiteNUJ Welfare & Benevolent Fund
Financial assistance and support for NUJ members experiencing hardship or mental health difficulties.
Visit SiteIllustrative UK Freelance Rates
These rates are for illustration only, based on industry surveys and NUJ guidance. Actual rates vary by publication, experience and subject specialism. Always negotiate based on the value you bring.
| Assignment Type | National | Regional | Trade/B2B | Digital-Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| News story (500 words) | £250–400 | £80–150 | £150–250 | £100–200 |
| Feature (1,500 words) | £500–1,200 | £150–350 | £300–600 | £200–500 |
| Investigation (day rate) | £300–500 | £150–250 | £200–400 | £200–350 |
| Comment/Opinion (800 words) | £300–500 | £100–200 | £200–350 | £150–300 |
| Photography (half day) | £200–400 | £100–200 | £150–300 | £100–250 |
| Sub-editing/Copy-editing (shift) | £200–350 | £120–180 | £150–250 | £130–220 |
| News shift (8 hours) | £250–450 | £150–250 | £200–300 | £180–280 |
| Podcast episode production | £300–600 | £150–300 | £200–400 | £200–400 |
| Video package (per minute) | £400–800 | £200–400 | £250–500 | £200–450 |
| Social media management (day) | £250–400 | £120–200 | £150–300 | £150–280 |
Source: Illustrative data curated from NUJ guidance, Press Gazette surveys, and industry experience. Use our Rate Calculator for personalised estimates.