Introduction to investigative reporting

Workshop Thursday 21 & Friday 22nd May, 10am-2pm (2x4hr sessions)

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOW ONLINE  DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.

The course will be in two 4hr sessions

Thursday 21st May 10am-2pm

Friday 22nd May 10am-2pm

Standard £195
Freelance/Student £170
Members £145

From finding yourself in the midst of a civil war to working undercover in a Chinese criminal gang, this one-day workshop will introduce you to life as an investigative human rights reporter or researcher.

Whether you are looking to start out in human rights investigating, want to shift your journalism focus to a more investigative bent, or simply have a critical mind, this session will give you the tools to help set up and pitch investigations; from filing a Freedom of Information request to being aware of the ethical implications of using subterfuge.

Importantly, it will also teach you how to have one of the most rewarding jobs in the world and how to survive doing it.

What the workshop will cover:

  • The Life of a Human Rights Investigator – the current state of journalism and NGOs.
  • How to survive as an Investigative researcher / reporter – how to pitch ideas and make a mark.
  • Tools of the Trade: Freedom of Information requests
  • Tools of the Trade: Computer Assisted Reporting
  • Cultivating sources : interviewing & handling whistleblowers
  • Undercover: Practicalities, Ethics & Experiences

The workshop will be led by award-winning investigative journalist Iain Overton.  Overton has conducted investigations into areas that include counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry, UK deaths in custody, corporate killings in Iraq, and Glasgow gang-land murders linked to security contracts. His work has been recognized with a Peabody Award,  two Amnesty International Awards, a OneWorld Award, a Prix Circom, a BAFTA Scotland and 3 RTS nominations, amongst others. He is the author of ‘Gun Baby Gun: a bloody journey into the world of the gun’ (shortlisted for a Dagger award) and ‘The Price of Paradise: how the suicide bomber shaped the modern age’, and is the Executive Director of Action on Armed Violence – a research charity that investigates the arms trade.

Here’s what participants had to say about Iain’s previous workshops at the club:

“Really well done – the workshop was rich with practical knowledge.”

“I enjoyed Iain’s wealth of direct experience of what he talked about and of course his passion.”

“This workshop has stretched me to think and pause in amongst the creative process. It was a good combination of practical advice and encouragement to do great human rights investigations.”

“It was inspiring and honest.”



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