At a time of seismic global uncertainty, The Detail is determined to strengthen its independent voice and create a safe space for balanced debate on issues shaping the North of Ireland. We don’t just want to report news, we want to produce journalism which drives change.
The Detail is inviting pitches for investigations and analysis that address our strategic areas of focus:
1. Rights under the Good Friday Agreement and the post-Brexit landscape
Investigations into whether the rights guaranteed under the GFA and Article 2 of the Windsor Framework are being protected post-Brexit, particularly in areas where rights may be eroding or inconsistently applied.
2. Addressing the past - legacy, accountability and justice
Stories exploring failures or barriers in the mechanisms dealing with the past, including the implications of the UK Legacy Act and efforts to replace it with a rights-compliant approach.
What we commission
The Detail is a cross-platform fund supporting:
- written investigations
- data-driven journalism
- documentary and multimedia projects
- films and podcasts
We welcome proposals from:
- experienced investigative journalists;
- early-career reporters with strong ideas;
- journalists based on the island of Ireland, Britain or internationally with relevant expertise;
- freelancers or staff journalists whose outlets are open to collaboration.
Send a clear three-sentence outline of what the story is about, including if it is time-sensitive, to [email protected]
A strong pitch will: clearly identify what is new or underreported; show evidence of access to sources/data; outline the investigative method or questions; demonstrate feasibility within the proposed timeframe.
All commissioned investigations receive editorial support and other appropriate assistance, including with FOI, data analysis, or multimedia production.
Fees: Investigations/features - £900 for approximately 1,800 words. Long reads, films, and special investigations will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Applications for the first round, in which we will commission a minimum of three investigations, are due by 10am Friday 30th January 2026.
About The Detail
The Detail is Northern Ireland’s leading independent, nonprofit investigative newsroom. Recent award-winning reporting has:
- Prompted police and council investigations into fraudulent farming applications
- Changed PSNI policy on how data is shared about migrant victims of crime
- Led to major changes in a benefit clampdown that was impacting innocent families
Below are a range of stories to show you what we publish:
Most ‘alarming’ environmental scandal in decades being overlooked, campaigners claim
‘We risk tying ourselves in knots’: Invest NI emails cast doubt on claims of no arms links to Israel
Lough Neagh: Year-long investigation exposes serious issues with management of the lake
Leaked Stormont document raises concerns among Troubles victims