National Council for the Training of Journalists Annual Report 2007-2008 Contents

2 Contents 3 Vital statistics 4 From the chairman 5 From the chief executive 6 - 7 Qualifications development 8 - 9 Accreditation 10 - 11 Journalism Diversity Fund 12 - 14 Preliminary certificates in journalism 15 - 17 National Certificate Examination 18 - 19 Awards for Excellence in Journalism 20 Student Council 21 Communications and events 22 Business and finance review 23 Working for the NCTJ

The NCTJ’s values

Accessible and responsive to our customers High profile, respected and influential

Strong sustainable growth and development Best use of resources

Upholding high and relevant standards Effective leadership, management and governance

2 National Council for the Training of Journalists Vital statistics

A total of 14,580 NCTJ exams were sat throughout 2007-8

These comprised:

8,017 preliminary exams (excluding shorthand) sat on course, 1,234 national exam sittings, and, 4,103 shorthand exam sittings

The total number of NCE exams sat was 1,226

1,721 students attended one of 69 accredited courses at 42 approved centres and sat the preliminary Certificate in Journalism exams

254 of these achieved the gold standard, passing all exams while on course

651 candidates sat these exams on the two nationals dates

446 trainees sat the National Certificate Examination - 430 reporters, 15 photographers and 1 sub-editor

258 trainees achieved the gold standard of passing their NCE – 244 reporters, 13 photographers and 1 sub-editor

Registrations consisted of 590 reporters, 23 sub-editors and 20 photographers

44 scheduled and in-house short training courses were run during the year

Annual Report 2007-2008 3 From the chairman

The media landscape changes a pretty good place to start. fast, but the NCTJ maintains a simple proposition. It applies to So that’s the bedrock. Around it we the newest website and to the build what students, teachers and longest established newspaper. employers want: web skills, video We are here to provide “a world- skills, subbing skills. Joanne class education and training Butcher and her team have been system that develops current out around the country, talking to and future journalists for the everyone who has a stake in demands of the 21st century”. journalism, encouraging all to have a say. It’s been a pleasure to see We judge everything we do against so many attending the workshops that aspiration. Over the past 12 and conferences they have months we have done much to organised. develop the NCTJ syllabus in line with the demands of the new world. As ever, we are indebted to those But we have done so while who give up their time so willingly. maintaining the fundamental The fact that so many have come principle that the craft of to those sessions is a powerful journalism, on whichever platform it antidote to the worries besetting the Optimistic: Kim Fletcher is practised, demands high industry. While a depression settles standards. over the media, with falling readerships, sinking revenues and “The craft of This is not always a popular worries about jobs, it’s good to see mission. Some students’ encounter enthusiasm for journalism burning journalism, on with the NCTJ is the first occasion as brightly as ever. whichever platform it on which an examiner suggests that their work is not good enough. Who is right – the pessimists, who is practised, demands We hope they get over it, for we say the great days of journalism are high standards.” continue to believe that the over – or the optimists, who learning and hard work required to promise they are only just pass NCTJ examinations provide beginning? Let’s come down with real evidence of journalistic ability. the optimists, for it’s immensely cheering to meet distinguished As media multiply, readers, viewers journalists heading for retirement and listeners need to be able to tell who wish they could have their time the good from the bad, the again in the new world, with all the accurate from the invented. The new opportunities it offers. form of delivery is different, but the underlying journalistic rules are the There are certainly lots of new same. That is why employers, outlets. Now we’ve just – just? - got confronted with a sack of to find a way to make them pay. applications from aspiring Kim Fletcher, reporters, find NCTJ qualifications NCTJ Chairman

4 National Council for the Training of Journalists From the chief executive

This has been a year of progress world of journalism is more reflec - and performance for the NCTJ tive of today’s multi-cultural society. and we are moving forward with even greater energy and enthusi - Just like our successful inaugural asm thanks to all those who work awards for excellence in journalism, with us and share our belief that we hope our new event – the Jour - high quality journalism training nalism Skills Conference – will fea - and skills really matter. ture regularly in our calendar in the future. This is a unique opportunity The media operate in a tough, com - to take a strategic view of the issues petitive marketplace and like every - associated with educating and train - one else we must respond and ing journalists as well as the chance adapt to changing times at a faster to celebrate the achievements of pace than ever before. Our efforts those involved in journalism training. to deliver the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK The NCTJ is committed to continu - have not just continued but acceler - ously improving its effectiveness, ef - ated as we work to improve our ficiency and value for money – so game. important to high performing and forward looking organisations. In many ways it has been a bumper ‘Bumper year’: Joanne Butcher year with record numbers of regis - We are determined to retain our trations – 633 trainees – and exami - focus and purpose but demand for nations – 14,580 – and far-reaching our services is not restricted to our “Our efforts to deliver changes to our structure and qualifi - current markets. In the year ahead the premier training cations. we will be exploring the potential to diversify and share the special scheme for journalists Our new Journalism Qualifications knowledge and expertise we can in the UK have not Board will oversee the development bring to the table. of converging journalism qualifica - just continued but tions. The formation of the Student In order to realise our full potential accelerated.” Council, to ensure all our stakehold - and to achieve our ambitions we ers are involved directly in our de - need many skills. In particular in the liberations and decision-making, year ahead we will be forging the was one of the highlights of the best partnerships for the future. year. The NCTJ is confident about this fu - Multi-platform journalism skills have ture and the opportunities. We are been integrated into all our pro - full of ambition to further establish grammes of study. Our qualification the NCTJ in its pre-eminent position for magazine journalists has been as the leading organisation for high, revamped in response to the needs exacting and relevant standards for of periodical publishers. Our new training and qualifying journalists. preliminary qualification for sports We have a strong brand, great journalists is available and will soon products and services, and the fan - be followed by an NCE. tastic support of people who are committed to the future of good The future of the Journalism Diver - journalism. Providing we continue sity Fund has been secured by the to demonstrate our effectiveness Newspaper Licensing Agency’s and manage our resources carefully commitment to a minimum of our reputation and influence will £100,000 a year for the next three continue to grow. years. There is much more work to Joanne Butcher, be done before the competitive NCTJ Chief Executive

Annual Report 2007-2008 5 Qualifications development

Convergence

To meet the increasing need for multi-skilled journalists, the content of all NCTJ qualifications has been revised and updated this year to reflect the skills used in multi-media newsrooms nationwide. This follows the previous year’s revamp of the reporters’ NCE which required trainees to show they could operate as effective multi- platform journalists.

Now all student reporters, sub- Still life: video stills editors and magazine journalists on from the NCTJ’s accredited courses as well as direct new Video journalism for entrants in the newsroom are being Websites DVD trained to write for the web. Their online journalism skills, knowledge and revise the content of the pictures for eight different and understanding are being tested magazine syllabus, a range of new categories and one video news in their NCTJ exams and portfolios. assessments have been introduced. report.

Online journalism, including writing There is a features portfolio where The skill of video reporting is being for the web and video journalism, candidates must showcase six tested as part of the NCE for press has been integrated into the two features and can include video photographers and photo- core journalism assessments at reports. The magazine sub-editing journalists in November 2008. preliminary level - news writing and exam has been updated and now Candidates will produce a three to portfolio. follows the same programme of five-minute video package study as the reporters’ sub-editing including a recorded interview on a Video journalism has been included exam. The new business of storyline set by the NCTJ in the portfolio as an optional magazines option equips photography exam board. The element for the year ahead and candidates with a thorough audio, visual and overall package video reports can be included in knowledge of the magazine industry will be assessed and video place of two written stories. Many and the practicalities of how reporting may be included as a centres are delivering video training magazines work, which can be compulsory element from 2009. and the NCTJ produced a short taken instead of public affairs. training film offering advice and Sports reporting guidance to tutors, trainers and The magazine journalism The development of a National trainees and students on the basic qualification has also been Certificate Examination for sports quality expected by examiners. accredited by Ofqual to the National Qualifications Framework as a reporters moved forward in 2008 Legal and ethical issues related to pathway through the level three with the help of editorial consultant, writing news for the web are Certificate in Journalism. Murray Morse, former editor of the addressed in the media law Cambridge Evening News. After syllabus. An online editing unit has Photography extensive consultation, the new also been added to the sub-editing professional qualification will To bring the preliminary exam. Student and trainee include the following assessments: qualifications for press photographers now have to shoot a sports press briefing; sports photographers and photo-journalists video and must include video interview; sports newspaper in line with reporters, magazine packages in their portfolios. practice and a sports logbook. journalists and sub-editors, a new preliminary portfolio has been Content for the logbook is due to Magazine journalism developed and will be introduced on be finalised before the end of 2008 Following our work last year with accredited courses from September and exam trials will take place leading magazine publishers, 2008. The portfolio requires early in 2009 with an expected educators and trainers to review photographers to produce eight launch date next summer.

6 National Council for the Training of Journalists Qualifications development

Journalism Qualifications Board The NCTJ’s awarding body structure was developed during the year, with the creation of a Journalism Qualifications Board. This will plan and oversee the industry’s gold standard multi- media qualifications.

Chaired by Donald Martin, editor of the Evening Times in Glasgow, the board brings together all the chief examiners for each journalism discipline together with additional representatives to ensure the interests of industry, education and training providers, trainees and students are fully met.

The board is taking a completely fresh look at the structure, content and assessment of journalism qualifications to ensure they continue to meet the demands of modern newsrooms. It is managing Speaker: Donald Martin presented the research at the Society of Editors’ Conference the debate about balancing new and old journalism, what should be core and optional, and how people Speaking at the Society of Editors’ England, Wales and Northern can be trained with the right conference in Bristol, Donald Martin Ireland. skillsets – and mindsets. said: “Our mission is quality training to high relevant standards but we Regulated by Ofqual (Office of the The subject areas under the must be realistic and prioritise what Qualifications and Examinations board’s remit include news can be achieved and get the right Regulator), it is part of the gathering, writing and reporting, balance of traditional and new government’s attempt to reform the media law, public affairs, sub- skills.” vocational qualifications system to editing, sports journalism, make it simpler to understand, magazine journalism, shorthand, Qualifications and flexible and inclusive for learners. photography, online and video journalism. The board is Credit Framework The first NCTJ qualification planned responsible for the overall structure The Qualifications and Credit for submission to the QCF is the and content of both the preliminary Framework (QCF) is the new preliminary Certificate in Journalism Certificates in Journalism and the process for recognising and for press photographers and National Certificate Examinations. accrediting qualifications in photo-journalists.

Annual Report 2007-2008 7 Accreditation

The last twelve months have seen and a fast-track course delivered by some of the components that make up further expansion of the NCTJ’s News Associates from a new centre in the pre-entry professional qualifications. accreditation scheme and provided designed to complement However, only one in six students (a further evidence – if any were needed the one the company offers at its figure in line with previous years) – of the enormous challenges faced headquarters in Wimbledon. graduated with the full preliminary by both those who study for, and certificates in journalism having gained those who deliver the NCTJ’s pre- “Gaining an NCTJ A-C grades in all core subjects plus the entry professional qualifications. relevant shorthand speeds. Certificate in Journalism In the past year, accreditation has been The NCTJ remains determined to resist awarded to seven more journalism is no mean achievement pressure to lower exam standards but courses bringing the total to 69 delivered - and the NCTJ is proud the industry recognises the need to fine- at 42 universities, further education tune the expectations it sets for those colleges and private centres all over the to salute publicly in this courses in the accreditation scheme to UK. report the latest 254 take account of different delivery formats. We were sorry to see the closure of the students to make the Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies grade.” While the NCTJ programme of study is (SCJS) but are pleased that the gap will exactly the same for all courses and the be filled by new NCTJ-accredited assessment standards are the same for postgraduate journalism programmes Although there appears to be no all individuals, we cannot expect exactly now being offered by the University of shortage of providers – many more are the same exam successes from mature Strathclyde and at Glasgow Caledonian queuing up for accreditation – and postgraduate students focused University. Scottish postgraduate students willing to have a go, analysis of exclusively on the NCTJ syllabus and a students can also study for their NCTJ exam results from those accredited growing number of younger qualifications as part of a new MSc in courses finishing during the 2007-8 undergraduates studying for a Journalism at The Robert Gordon academic year confirms what recruiting journalism degree. University in Aberdeen or the long editors, particularly in the regional established NCTJ courses at Cardonald newspaper industry have long known – For those who have the ability and College. that the NCTJ’s pre-entry Certificate in determination to work as professional Journalism represents a rigorous, world- journalists, gaining the NCTJ Certificate In addition to the three new Scottish class vocational qualification that in Journalism has a great significance as courses, the NCTJ now kite-marks: an remains unfashionably tough to obtain. the key to a newsroom career. It is no MA in Journalism at Staffordshire mean achievement – and the NCTJ is University; journalism undergraduate Many of the students who completed proud to salute and acknowledge degree courses at Nottingham Trent NCTJ accredited journalism courses in publicly in this report the latest 254 University and the University of Kent; 2007-8 obtained good exam grades in students to make the grade.

8 National Council for the Training of Journalists Courses with NCTJ accreditation

Bournemouth University Kingston University Academic year Photo-journalism BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism MA/PgDip Journalism Fast-track PgDip Newspaper Journalism Brighton Journalist Works Lambeth College 12-week block release Press Certificate in Journalism Fast-track PgDip Newspaper photography (Sub-editing) Journalism 12-week block release Photo- Foundation Degree Journalism Brunel University journalism MA Journalism Leeds Trinity & All Saints College University of Brighton MA/PgDip Print Journalism Cardiff University BA (Hons) Sport Journalism PgDip Newspaper Journalism Liverpool Community College University of Central Lancashire Fast-track Diploma Newspaper BA (Hons) Journalism Cardonald College Journalism HND Journalism Studies PgDip/MA Newspaper Journalism Fast-track Magazine Journalism MA Magazine Journalism Day release – Newspaper Academic year Newspaper Journalism Journalism University of Cumbria BA (Hons) Journalism City College Brighton & Hove Liverpool John Moores University Fast-track Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism University of Kent Fast-track Magazine Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism and the Midland News Association News Industry City of Wolverhampton College Midland News Association Academic year Newspaper three-year training scheme University of Portsmouth Journalism BA Journalism (combined Day release – Newspaper News Associates (London) honours) Journalism Fast-track Newspaper Journalism Part-time Newspaper Journalism University of Salford Cornwall College Camborne MA/PgDip Newspaper Journalism Foundation Degree Newspaper News Associates (Manchester) Journalism Fast-track Newspaper Journalism University of Sheffield Fast-track Newspaper Journalism BA Journalism Studies (single & noSWeat Journalism Training combined honours) Darlington College of Technology Fast-track Newspaper Journalism MA Newspaper Journalism Fast-track Newspaper Journalism Part-time Newspaper Journalism University of Strathclyde De Montfort University Nottingham Trent University MLitt/PgDip Journalism PgDip Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Print Journalism MA/PgDip Newspaper Journalism University of Sunderland Edge Hill University BA (Hons) News Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism Press Association Training Centre BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism Glasgow Caledonian University Multimedia Foundation course in BA (Hons) Sports Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism Journalism MA Newspaper Journalism MA Multimedia Journalism Staffordshire University MA Magazine Journalism Harlow College BA (Hons) Journalism University of Teesside Fast-track PgDip Newspaper MA Journalism BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism Journalism Professional Practice Fast-track PgDip Magazine Sutton Coldfield College Journalism Academic year Journalism University of Ulster at Coleraine Academic year Newspaper The Robert Gordon University MA Newspaper Journalism Journalism MSc Journalism Academic year Magazine Up To Speed Journalism Training Journalism The Sheffield College, Norton Fast-track Newspaper Journalism Centre Warwickshire College Highbury College Academic year Newspaper Fast-track Newspaper Journalism Academic year Newspaper Journalism Journalism Academic year Press photography

Annual Report 2007-2008 9 Journalism Diversity Fund

Throughout its third year, the The application deadlines for Journalism Diversity Fund has 2008-9 follow a similar vein. continued to grow. The Newspaper Licensing Agency There were 99 applications to the (NLA) – which helped set up the fund during the 2007-8 financial fund in 2005 – pledged to give at year. Twelve applicants were least £100,000 a year for three successful. One started his NCTJ years, securing the fund until training in February 2008 and the 2010. others will begin in autumn 2008.

The industry-backed fund allows A celebratory lunch was hosted by would-be reporters, sub-editors and Associated Newspapers at its photographers from under- offices in Kensington, London, in represented areas of society the September 08. It was an excellent chance to train as journalists. This opportunity for supporters to meet in turn helps to encourage the those receiving the bursaries and competitive world of journalism to gave recipients a chance to better reflect today’s multi-cultural network with industry professionals, Speaking at the annual celebration society. which included representatives lunch, Robin Esser, executive from the Society of Editors. Past managing editor at the Daily Mail , Along with the NLA, the fund is bursary recipients enjoyed meeting said: “We at the Daily Mail believe supported by leading publishing each other and sharing their in encouraging journalists from companies, including Associated stories. different ethnic and social Newspapers, News International, backgrounds to take up this great Guardian News and Media Group, The lunch also celebrated the profession because we want to see and Pearson. The Scott Trust gave achievements of those who have more of our diverse communities the fund a £25,000 boost this year. completed training thanks to the coming into the mainstream media fund, and have found employment - be it newspaper, television, or During the past financial year, there in journalism – the whole point of radio. were three application deadlines: the scheme. October 31, 2007, March 31, 2008 “It is vital that the beneficial effects and June 30, 2008. Some of these are featured below: of our varied society are reflected throughout the British media.”

Jo Adetunji

Jo studied the fast-track course in Chinwe Akomah newspaper journalism at Lambeth Kim Carmichael College. She received a distinction Chinwe studied the postgraduate diploma in journalism at the for her portfolio and passed short - Kim completed the MA in Journal - University of Central Lancashire. hand at 100wpm. She now works ism at the University of Sunderland. She is now a trainee reporter at the as a reporter at the Guardian. She passed all seven elements of Congleton Chronicle. the qualification and is now a trainee reporter at the Newcastle Journal.

10 National Council for the Training of Journalists Journalism Diversity Fund

Rosemary Davenport David Menon Ashionye Ogene

Rosemary completed a Postgradu - David completed a Postgraduate Ashionye studied at noSWeat Jour - ate Diploma in Newspaper Journal - Diploma in Newspaper Journalism nalism Training. She is now an ism at the University of Salford and at the University of Central Lan - assistant news editor at ITN. Prior now works as a trainee reporter at cashire and is now a trainee re - to this, during a stint at the the Lincolnshire Echo. porter at the Woking News & Mail. Guardian, she had a feature printed on the front page of the newspaper.

She said: “I wouldn't have been able to achieve all the things I have without the help of the JDF bursary. I will always be grateful to the fund and I encourage others to apply and show them that even if the industry seems like it’s built against them succeeding, there are people and organisations that are here to help.”

The story so far

To date, a total of 139 people have applied to the fund.

Bursaries were awarded to 27 of these, and there are now this many Old meets new: Oluchi Ugwu, who received a bursary last year, chats to diverse journalists working in this 2008 recipients Jennifer Thompson, Eimhear O’Neill and Christina competitive industry. Johnson

During this financial year, bursary noSWeat Journalism Training Warwickshire College recipients have completed courses Scottish Centre for Journalism at the following centres: Studies (no longer running) As awareness of the fund continues The Sheffield College, Norton to grow, so do the numbers of Brighton Journalist Works Centre applications received. Press Darlington College University of Central Lancashire Gazette has allowed the fund a Kingston University University of Salford number of full-page adverts in its Lambeth College University of Sheffield publications, for which we are Liverpool Community College University of Sunderland grateful.

Annual Report 2007-2008 11 Preliminary certificates in journalism

In the 2007-8 academic year, Reporters’ certificate, while on examines knowledge in this area. 2,372 candidates sat an NCTJ course, are listed below. preliminary Certificate in Media law : court reporting: Journalism. These candidates set a shining examines court reporting and example to their peers and we related issues in defamation and Passing all the sections which make congratulate them all. contempt, sources of law, crime the qualification requires a diversity terminology, relevant aspects of the of skills and knowledge - and the The seven elements (six exams PCC code. standard is extremely high. plus a portfolio) are: Media law : general reporting: Achieving this gold standard News writing : candidates write a examines general reporting, remains a great challenge to many news story, two nibs and suggest including defamation, contempt, students, however, the NCTJ five follow-up ideas. copyright, confidentiality and other remains resolute that high standards aspects of the PCC code. Public affairs : local government: must be maintained and we will not examines knowledge of local allow standards to fall. Shorthand (Teeline): at 100 wpm. government, includes a compulsory finance question. Portfolio : a record of training, The 253 who passed all seven includes cuttings which evidence elements of the Newspaper Public affairs : central government: a range of reporting styles.

Candidates passing all these elements of the NCTJ Certificate in Journalism (Newspaper Reporters), listed by centre:

Brunel University Richard James McIntosh, Laura Jane Monk, James Edward Nadal, Ruth Frances Sharpe, Jamie Nesbitt, Michael Purton, David Benjamin Pearce, Suzan Uzel, Stewart Seymour Elizabeth Webster

Cardiff University De Montfort University Leeds, Trinity & All Saints Helen Buckingham, Hana Tracey Davies, Mark Goode, College Callard, Rachel Clare, Nicholas Siobhan Prideaux, Daniel Santy Laura Bowyer, Craig Burnett, Collins, Chris Cousens, Natalie Mark Phillip Butler, Sarah Crockett, Carey Davies, Stephen Harlow College Calkin, Tanya O'Rourke, Sundari Hackwell, Benjamin Harris, Daniel James Wooton Bins, Sankar, Jacqueline Turley, Victoria Steven Hayes, Thomas Knight, Jennifer Grant Turton Ruth Mansfield, Kylie Mclellan, Highbury College Howard Mustoe, Gillian Roberts, Liverpool Community College James Edward Charles Burton, Alison Sanders, Timothy Alex William Bell, Jessica Beckett, Russell John Butt, Benjamin Henry Sculthorpe, Andrew Sloan, Karen Louise Britton, James Cox, Craig, Arron Hendy, Sian Louise Richard Wheeler Richard Edwin Frost, Paul Harvey, Hewitt, Sarah Hilley, Emma Jayne Lucy Ann McGuire, Helen Steel, City College Brighton & Hove Jones, Lucy Jones, Chine Pamela Tully Richard Keatley, Tracey Anne Scott Mbubaegbu, Emma Felicity Streatfield Midland News Association Cornwall College Winston Brown, Catherine Dalton, Lucy Smith, Miriam Taylor Kingston University Charlotte Hester, Emma Louise Katherine Adams Kasprzak, Erika Pennington, Darlington College Mark Stuart Round, Ruth Taylor Laura Crothers, Christopher Jack Lambeth College Hole, Claire Lewis, Kate Liptrot, Daisy Collins, Rory Goulding, Delia Contined on next page

12 National Council for the Training of Journalists Preliminary certificates in journalism

Candidates passing all NCTJ exams continued:

News Associates London Scottish Centre for Journalism University of Sunderland Thomas Atkin, Nicholas Banks, Studies Kim Carmichael, Peter Clark, Samuel Blackledge, Matthew Davis, Jennifer Archer, Christine Barbara Cunningham, Jennifer Edward Davis, Toby Davis, Jordan McCartney, Matt Meade, Cara Newton, Karl Phenix, Michael Day, Paola Dellafiora, Francesca Sulieman Stringer, Ceressa Sweetman, Elliott, Simon Fitzjohn, Oliver Gareth Whem Florence, Alex Healey, Clare Hardy, Staffordshire University Emma Louise Harrison, Simon Daniel Coombs University of Ulster Hopper, Katherine Islip, Craig Emma Blee, Lara Martin, Roisin The Sheffield College Kemp, Emily Koch, Gerard McLaughlin, Sarah Monahan Catherine Bates, Stuart Dalziel, Meagher, David Mercer, Thomas David Elliott, Simon Faulkner, Up to Speed Journalism Training Oldfield, Michael Perkin, Thomas Sarah Louise Firth, Linsdsay Garfitt, Samantha Emanuel Pilcher, Michael Fintan Quinn, Peter Carla George, Samantha Jayne Timothy, Alexander Varney, Robert Hughes, Katherine Liptrot, Warwickshire College Wood William John Ockendon, Kevin Daniel Foster, Priya Mistry Owers, Robert Michael Wilson News Associates Manchester Wolverhampton College Caroline Craig, Michael Pollitt, University of Brighton Donna Bowater, Adam Burling, Caroline Tilley Danielle Reynolds Jessica Childs noSWeat Journalism Training University of Central Lancashire Sally Burnell, Liat Clark, Harriet Elizabeth Rebecca Broughton, Cooper, Felicity Crump, Leila Andrew Philip Falk, Neil Gareth A note about Dukes, Sophie Edwards, Sarah Vowles, Ian Andrew Waterhouse, Hadland, Jennifer Henson, Nina shorthand Nia Eleri Mari Williams, Lucy Witter, Kelly, Joanna Kilvington, Laura Deborah Wood MacDonald, David McNicoll, Steven Nolan, Maryam Omidi, Christopher University of Cumbria The introduction of Richards, Matthew Stevens, Katie Kirsty Wood shorthand exams at lower Wilson speeds of 60 and 70 wpm University of Salford Nottingham Trent University Elizabeth Broomhall, Rebecca resulted in more exams Salma Conway, Peter Fearn, Dawson than ever being sat - Melissa Galea, Robert Garratt, 4,103. Of the 1,487 who Kathleen Hall, Adam Harwood, University of Sheffield sat at the industry- Richard Howard, Daniel Palmer, Ralph Laurie Allsopp, Sheena required speed of 100 Lauren Taylor Campbell, Jennifer Coombes, wpm, 617 passed – 41 Rachel Claire Fell, Amy Florence per cent. The pass rate Press Association Gooderham, Louise Hall, Philip Annabelle Dickson, Claire Hack, Medlicott, Abhinav Ramnakayan, for all exams sat, from 60 Victoria Leggett, Charlene Mitchell, Louise Victoria Saunders, Jennifer to 120, was 47 per cent. Karen Rachel Kelly Moss, Sara Smith, Sarah Joanne Stead, Jack Nichol, Jessica Thomas, Thomas William Tappin, Paul Whyatt, Laura Walling, Laura Williamson Wileman

Annual Report 2007-2008 13 Preliminary certificates in journalism Magazine Journalism Sub-editing Candidates must pass all six areas Portfolio: candidates produce To achieve the gold standard in of this certificate to pass the course. features to demonstrate competence this course, candidates must in feature writing, production and pass seven areas – six The different elements (five exams design and background to the reporter elements, as on page and a portfolio) are: magazine industry. 12 (all except shorthand), plus News writing: candidates write a Candidates achieving the gold a subbing exam. news story, two nibs and suggest five standard Certificate in Journalism Candidates achieving the follow-up ideas. (Magazines) in 2007-8: gold standard Certificate in Public affairs: central government: City College Brighton & Hove Journalism (Sub-editing) in examines knowledge of this area. Sophie Baker, Gareth Buckell, 2007-8: James Costelloe, Emma Grove, Media law: general reporting: Brighton Journalist Works Georgina Gyton, Jane Hall, Luke examines general reporting - Tara Booth, Talitha Bromwich, McNaney, Emma Robertson defamation, contempt, copyright, Joanna Kelly, Harry Lamb, confidentiality, PCC code. Harlow College Karen Ironside, Lauren Lloyd, James Lowe, Anthony Luzio, Sub-editing: examines subbing, Deborah Evans, Anneke Elizabeth Geoffrey Moore, Ruth copy correction, design, dealing with Hak, Timothy Rodie, Sarah Walker Morgan, Gemma Nethersole, images, writing headlines and University of Central Lancashire Sheenagh Nixon, Louise captions. Tara Hounslea Poffley, Heather Pugh, Catherine Relf, Kim Sanders, Shorthand (Teeline): achieved at University of Sunderland Dominic Smith 80 wpm. Stephen Dobie, Karl Phenix

Photography and photo-journalism

To achieve the gold standard in to photographers, including for a series of photographs. these courses, candidates need contempt; copyright; to pass all four elements: confidentiality; reporting Candidates achieving the gold restrictions; courts and the law. standard Certificate in Press photographers Journalism (Press Caption writing : write two photographers and Photo- General photographic clear, accurate news captions journalists) in 2007-8: knowledge : examines light; to accompany two pictures. cameras; lenses and The Sheffield College accessories, images; exposure Photo-journalists sit exams as Rachel Atkins, Catherine and processing; colour; above in general photographic Booker, Jemma Cox, technology; health and safety. knowledge, photographic Douglas Easton, Timothy practice and media law for France, Adam Holt, Elizabeth Photographic practice : photographers, and they also Kearsley, Hannah Kinver, examines PCC code of conduct; sit: Matthew Lloyd, Georgina history of the press; ethical Mabee, Aisling Magill, issues and working practices. News writing for photo- Victoria Louise Middleton, journalists : write a picture Stephen Nelson, Laura Page, Media law for photographers : caption and a composite Laurence Underhill, Nicholas examines general laws relevant caption Wilkinson

Prize winners Shorthand NCTJ Shorthand Award for the the best shorthand note and Public Affairs Harry Butler Award for the best transcription at 100 per cent shorthand note and transcription at 100 accuracy for 110 wpm - Lucy LG Communications PA Award - per cent accuracy for 100 wpm - Ewing, of the Bolton Evening Catherine Dalton, Express and Star. Richard Burin, Harrogate Advertiser. News.

14 National Council for the Training of Journalists National Certificate Examination

The National Certificate story based on this and other Advance project Examination (NCE) is the NCTJ’s information. ‘gold standard’ professional Candidates have four weeks to qualification, designed to examine Newspaper practice prepare a double-page spread or all-round competence in a range single-page broadsheet on a Candidates demonstrate they of fundamental skills. The NCE is given subject. have a sound working knowledge currently available in three areas of practical journalism, that they Logbook of journalism: for reporters; can respond to editorial photographers and photo- situations, and can apply This records details of training journalists; and sub-editors. To be knowledge of media law and and a selection of cuttings eligible, trainees must complete public affairs. demonstrating the trainee has the preliminary Certificate in satisfactorily covered a range of Journalism and undertake on-the- Logbook key tasks. job training. This is a training record which NCE for Sub-editors Until this year, the NCE was held includes a selection of cuttings twice a year. A trial run of a third demonstrating the trainee has The first sub-editing NCE took NCE sitting took place on July 4, satisfactorily covered a range of place in July 2007. There are 2007, when candidates were key tasks. three parts to the qualification: offered a chance to re-sit the newspaper practice exam. This NCE for Photographers Subbing was a resounding success, and An on-screen subbing exam. there will be three full sittings of There are four parts to the qualifications for press Includes a hard copy proofing the NCE in 2008-9 – July 2008, exercise and measures design November 2008 and March 2009. photographers and photo- journalists: ability. NCE for Reporters Practical Newspaper practice for sub-editors There are four parts to this Candidates take a series of qualification, as detailed below: pictures during a staged scenario Candidates demonstrate they are conversant with newspaper News interview and submit: action shot, front page picture for practice and can apply knowledge Candidates complete an interview supplement/magazine and three of newspaper law. and use information gleaned to inside pictures. Logbook write a news story, to length and Portfolio to deadline. This is a record of training and includes a selection of cuttings News report A collection of ten pictures collected over the training period. demonstrating the trainee has Candidates take shorthand notes They must all be of a standard satisfactorily covered a range of during a speech and write a news acceptable for publication. key tasks.

Annual Report 2007-2008 15 NCE results, autumn 2007

REPORTERS, Sept 28, 2007 Suzannah Hills , Western Telegraph Megan Reynolds , Waltham Forest (including July 2007 newspaper Thomas Hughes , Lincolnshire Free Press Guardian practice re-sit) Andrea Hyam , The Rutland Times Robert Norley Rowlands , Newbury Tristan Harris , Bromsgrove Standard Weekly News Ruhubia Akbor , Advertiser David Jackson , Northants Evening Kathryn Ryan , Salford Advertiser Tarik Al Rasheed , Malvern Gazette Telegraph Catherine Salmond , Fife Free Press Christopher Amery , St Helens Star Christopher Johnson , Croydon Hannah Scorer , Scunthorpe Evening Stuart Amos , Surrey Comet Advertiser Telegraph Emma Atkinson , The Citizen, Gloucester Matthew Johnson , Gabriel Shepard , Kent & Sussex Courier Fiona Audley , Barking and Dagenham David Jones, Petersfield Post Jennifer Silver , The Forester Post Fariha Karim , Greenock Telegraph Rachel Sixsmith , Horticulture Week Anne-Marie Baker , The Bath Chronicle Hurtej Kaur , Nottingham Evening Post Kate Skelton , Nottingham Evening Post John Baker , Spalding Guardian Steven Kelly , Runcorn World Amanda Claire Smith , The Bolton News Julie Bartram , Spenborough Guardian Alicia Kelly , Worcester News Laurel Smithson , Welwyn & Hatfield Helen Beighton , Derbyshire Times Laura Kenny , Middleton & N. Manchester Times Lynsey Bews , Fife Free Press Guardian Emma Louise Spencer , Barnsley Christopher Birkle , Nottingham Evening Daniel Kerins , The News, Portsmouth Chronicle Post Hannah Kirk , Pocklington Post Jonathan Stayton , Esher News & Mail Marcus Boocock , Nottingham Evening Angela Lisa Kirk , Lancaster Guardian Martin Steinmetz , Chorley Guardian Post Sadie Lawlor , Sleaford Standard Corey Stephenson , Southern Daily Echo Martin Booth , Watford Observer Catherine Lea , Wakefield Express Mark Tallentire , Darlington & Stockton Christopher Breese , Melton Times Benjamin Lee , Cambridge Evening News Times Shirley Brooks , Derby Evening Telegraph Rachel Leslie , Wilmslow Express Johanna Thewlis , Bury Free Press Robert James Brown , Woking News & Advertiser Stephen Thirkill , Mansfield Chad Mail Deborah Linton , The Bolton News Cherry Thomas , Lytham St Annes Jane Bruccoleri , Croydon Guardian Natalie Mahon , Scunthorpe Evening Express James Stuart Bryce , The Daventry Telegraph Julian Thorpe , Barnsley Chronicle Express Richard Mason , Darlington & Stockton Jean Margaret Tilley , Somerset County Karen Burke , Ilford Recorder Times Gazette Tegan Chapman , News Guardian Steve Mather , Evesham Journal Lydia Tipple , Andover Advertiser Jenny Clover , South London Press Samantha Matthew , Slough Observer Hannah Truman , Cumberland & West - Matthew Colledge , Chard & Illminster Chloe Mayer , Barking & Dagenham morland Herald News Recorder Stephanie Tye, Swindon Advertiser John Collingridge, Philip McCabe , Freelance Alexandra Valk , Northampton Chronicle David Michael Connop-Price , Suzanne McTaggart , Yorkshire Evening & Echo Basingstoke Gazette Post Marc Walker , Ilford Recorder Ellen Anne Cook , Express & Echo, Dominic Mills , Leek Post & Times Simon Nathan Ward , Rugby Advertiser Exeter Gareth Moorhouse , Wiltshire Times Andrew Westbrook , Wandsworth Victoria Corbett , Wokingham Times Charlotte Jane Morgan , Wiltshire Times Guardian Charlotte Cox , Macclesfield Express David Moroney , Ardrossan & Saltcoats Andrew Whelan , The Argus, Brighton Advertiser Herald Damon William Wilkinson , Rochdale Robert Dabrowski , The News, Richard Morris , North West Evening Mail Observer Portsmouth Lynn Morris , Daily Echo, Bournemouth Laura Williams , Wiltshire Gazette & Andrew Daniels , Westmorland Gazette Andrew Mortimer , Hull Daily Mail Herald William Davison , Town Crier Series Emma Mottram , Redditch Standard James Williamson , Westmorland Gazette Jonathan Doel , South Wales Argus Sophie Moynes , West Cumberland Times Adam Wilshaw , Western Morning News Laura Downton , The Hampshire & Star Sam Woodman , Worthing Herald Chronicle Laura Naylor , The Sentinel Marcus Harry Dysch , Hendon Times Cathy Neligan , Halifax Evening Courier PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily-Ann Elliott , Basingstoke Gazette Anthony O’Connell , Llanelli Star (November 7, 2007) Tom Edwards , Express & Star, Catherine Oakes , Derby Evening Wolverhampton Telegraph Hannah Brackenbury , Derby Evening Keith Fairbank , Monmouth Free Press George Oliver , Rossendale Free Press Telegraph Kristina Fox , Hebden Bridge Times Helen Victoria Orrell , Essex Chronicle Christopher Bull , Doncaster Free Press Alexandra Fredman , Whitby Gazette Charlotte Orson , Lincolnshire Echo Katherine Burnett , Derby Evening Tele - Claire Margaret Fry , Worcester News Lee Peace , South Yorkshire Times graph James Gates , Melton Times James Peacock , Express & Star, Jerome Ellerby , Hull Daily Mail Matthew Gaw , Crawley Observer Wolverhampton James Fitton , Halifax Evening Courier Liza-Jane Gillespie , Gazette Series Daniel Peters , Mercury Series Adam Gerrard , Derby Evening Telegraph Bailey Newspaper Group Lorna Phelan , Pontypool Free Press Paul Jackson , Journal and Admag Series Benjamin Green , Worksop Guardian Diana Pilkington , Wimbledon Guardian Dustin Michailovs , Nottingham Evening Jack Grove , Peterborough Evening Ruth Caroline Pott-Negrine , Chronicle & Post Telegraph Echo Angela Ward , Mansfield Chad Chantal Rosalyn Harris , Esher News & Diana Elizabeth Prince , Evening Herald Mail Fiona Margaret Purnell , Glenrothes SUB EDITOR (July 3, 2007) Claire Hutchinson , Crawley Observer Gazette Miran Farah Rahman , Keighley News Christopher Henwood , Llanelli Star Neil Wilcock , Halifax Evening Courier William Ramsey , Hull Daily Mail

16 National Council for the Training of Journalists NCE results, spring 2008

REPORTERS (March 7, 2008) Callum Jones , The Bucks Herald Claire Woods , Pulman’s Weekly News & Emma Judd , South Wales Evening Post Advertiser Series Lucinda Adam , Bucks Free Press Lawrence Thomas Kennedy , News Andrew Woolfoot , Wiltshire & Glouces - Melanie Adams , Southern Daily Echo Shopper ter Standard Samuel Adams , Wanstead & Woodford Adam King , The Bucks Herald Edward Wrenn , Northants Evening Guardian Christopher Kirk , Newark Advertiser Telegraph Paul Ainsworth , Newark Advertiser David Knapper , Leek Post & Times Victoria Allen , Redhill, Reigate & Horley James Knock , PHOTOGRAPHERS (May 7, 2008) Life Elizabeth Lee , Chronicle & Echo Catherine Allen , Mansfield Chad David Lindsell , Aldershot News Michelle Adamson , Grimsby Telegraph Owen Michael Amos , The Northern Echo Debbie Lockett , Worksop Guardian Bruce Francis Fitzgerald , Halifax Georgia Anderson , Hemel Hempstead Alistair Mackay , Kirkintilloch Herald Evening Courier Gazette Warren Manger , Coventry Evening Tele - Daniel Martino , Gloucestershire Echo Ellen Louise Beardmore , Pontefract & graph Nick Toogood , Bromsgrove Castleford Express Ashley Marshall , Harrogate Advertiser Advertiser/Messenger Series Sarah Bebbington , Jane’s Information Jonathan Matfin , Hemel Hempstead Group Gazette Jodie Beecroft , Bridlington Free press Ian Robert McDonald , Dorset Echo Jonathan Bennett , Kent & Sussex Courier Kenneth Francis McErlain , Rugby Ad - Prize winners Susannah Berry , Wetherby News vertiser Andrew Bond , Scunthorpe Evening Louise McEvoy , The Comet NCE for Reporters Telegraph Andrew McGill , Hunts Post Natalie Bowyer , Hunts Post Asha Mehta , Peterborough Evening Eight reporters were commended Bethan Louise Burke , North West Telegraph for their performances in the Evening Mail Daniel Menhinnitt , Croydon Guardian National Certificate Examination in Jemma Callow , Banbury Guardian Andrew Miller , Newark Advertiser autumn 2007 and spring 2008. William Carson , Southern Daily Echo John Morgan , Cambridge Evening Each received a cheque for £250. Richard Catton , Ripon Gazette News Ailsa Chalk , Sidmouth Herald Catherine Morris , Diss Express Society of Editors’ Award for the Lucy Diana Georgina Clapham , Claire Moulson , Maidenhead Advertiser best news interview paper: Bucks Free Press Anna Nalborczyk , Hereford Times Caroline Boyd and Andrew McGill Emma Louise Clark , St Albans Observer David Paine , Worcester News Samantha Clark , West Sussex County James Robert Pallatt , Nottingham The Esso Award for the best news Times Evening Post report paper: Andrew Whelan and Monique Cleaver , Northants Evening Tele - Nicola Park , North West Evening Mail Nicola Park graph Nathaniel Merlin Parsons , Ham & High Ted Bottomley Award for the best Ruth Clegg , Lancashire Publications Ltd Gemma Peplow , Leicester Mercury Newspaper Practice paper: Helen Collis , Western Morning News Michael Pickard , Watford Observer Matthew Gaw and Katherine Vine Dolores Patricia Cowburn , Jersey Andrew Pitt , Malton & Pickering Mer - cury Evening Post Newsquest Award for the best Graham Poucher , Wakefield Express Laura Cummings , Dunfermline Press logbook: Tarik Al Rasheed and Louise Psyllides , The Sentinel Laura Elizabeth Dale , Herald Express Gemma Peplow James Davis , Stroud News & Journal Laura Rands , Ilkeston Advertiser John Deehan , Burnley Express Tim Raw , West Sussex County Times The Pamela Meyrick award for Crispin Dowler , Inside Housing Ross Robertson , Sunderland Echo 2007 went to Christopher Amery. Colin Drury , The Halifax Courier Thomas Rowley , Tameside Advertiser Alexander Ellis , Thurrock Gazette Suzanne Rutter , The Halifax Courier The Eric Dobson Award was Chris Fay , The Northern Echo Christopher Slavin , Newbury Weekly presented to Mark Tallentire. Megan Elizabeth Featherstone , Halifax News Courier Laura Alison Smith , The Echo, Basil - NCE for Photographers and Nicola Fenwick , Darlington & Stockton don Photo-journalists Times Helen Smithson , News Guardian Alexandra Forsyth , The News, Christopher Joel Sweet , Western Three awards are presented Portsmouth Gazette annually for outstanding work in James Forsyth , The Echo, Basildon Daniel Thompson , Middleton Guardian these NCEs during 2007-8. Joseph Garbe , Advertiser & Review Joel N Turner , Leeds Weekly News Nikon Award for best single image Timothy Green , Bucks Herald Richard Vernalls , Kidderminster Shuttle - Katherine Burnett. Michael Greenwell , Nottingham Evening & Times Katherine Rachel Vine , Manchester Post Fuji Award for the best Metro News Naomi Christine Jane Harris , Express & photography portfolio - Adam Christopher Visser , North West Echo, Exeter Gerrard. John Harrison , Watford Observer Evening Mail Sian Harrison , Hull Daily Mail Lizanne Weafer , Stroud News & Journal South Wales Argus Award for the Lisa Higginson , Westmorland Gazette Allister Webb , Driffield Times best advance project - Dustin Jennifer Lydia Hollamby , Oldham Gemma Wheatley , Croydon Guardian Michailovs, of the Nottingham Graeme Wilkinson , Carmarthen Journal Evening Post. Christopher Hudson , Macclesfield Karen Wilson , Bury Free Press Express Stuart Woledge , Sevenoaks Chronicle

Annual Report 2007-2008 17 Awards for Excellence in Journalism

In 2008, the first NCTJ Awards for Excellence in Journalism were set up, to recognise and reward the efforts of those training and entering this competitive indus - try. With quality and high stan - dards at the heart of the NCTJ, it seemed natural to highlight and celebrate the achievements of those with promising careers in journalism ahead of them.

There were two avenues for entry, called the category awards: student, for journalists and photographers on NCTJ-accredited courses, and Well done: our winners at the Society of Editors Conference trainee, for those who have com - pleted their training, with less than also presented, for the best per - substantial contribution to journal - two years' experience on the job. formances in NCTJ exams – at pre - ism training, will be presented by liminary level and NCE. NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher, in Three performance awards were A Chairman’s Award, recognising a December 2008.

Category Awards

More than 120 entries were re - The winners were announced at the Joanne Butcher and congratulated ceived for the following categories: Society of Editors’ conference in No - by Alan Rusbridger, editor of The vember 2008, where they were Guardian. News reporter of the year presented with their awards by The winners are: Sports reporter of the year Scoop of the year Feature writer of the year Category Student Trainee Images of the year News Reporter Naomi Loomes Tessa Youens An eminent team of judges, includ - of the Year City College Gravesend ing Paul Durrant, assistant editor Brighton & Hove Messenger of the Eastern Daily Press; Murray Morse, editor-in-chief of the Daily Sports Reporter Steve Jones Jonathan Jurejko Sport, and Paul Sanders, picture of the Year News Associates, Doncaster Free editor at The Times, worked to - Manchester Press gether to draw up a shortlist. Scoop of the Year Joint Winners A final judging panel brought to - Steve Kelly gether the following industry high Brighton Journalist Ben Frampton flyers to decide on our winners: Works South Wales Argus Chris Elliott, managing editor of The Guardian; Steve Nelson, pro - and duction editor at The Press, York Delia Monk and NCTJ chief examiner for Lambeth College newspaper journalism; Steve Pan - Feature Writer Paul Prowse Kelly Shorrock ter, senior lecturer in journalism at of the Year Nottingham Trent Derby Evening the University of Salford; Steve University Telegraph Phillips, NCTJ chief examiner for photography and picture editor of Images of the Year Micha Theiner Katherine Burnett the South Wales Evening Post, Sheffield College Derby Evening and Bob Satchwell, executive di - Telegraph rector of the Society of Editors.

18 National Council for the Training of Journalists Awards for Excellence in Journalism

Winning snap: the surreal quality of Micha Theiner’s aerobatics shot, left, taken during the Red Bull air race in London, impressed the judges

Performance Awards

The following people received awards for their outstanding performance in NCTJ exams:

NCTJ Student Journalist of the Year Jennifer Smith, University of Sheffield

NCTJ Photographer of the Year Adam Gerrard, South West News Service (formerly of the Derby Evening Telegraph)

NCTJ Reporter of the Year Tarik Al Rasheed, Malvern Gazette

What the judges said

The judges said that, as a whole, the winning entries had stood out and grabbed their readers’ attention. Some were funny, all showed originality and imagination. Winners had demon - strated quality interviewing skills, effec - tive use of the Freedom of Information Act and secured exclusive stories through managing their contacts.

The awards were well received and the winners gained a good deal of cover - age throughout the process. It was free for candidates to enter, to encourage the maximum entries, and we are look - Katherine Burnett captured the light-hearted spirit of a 1950s American ing to develop them further in 2009. Diner in Derbyshire with this imaginative picture

Annual Report 2007-2008 19 Student Council

This year, the NCTJ set up a Student Council to give a greater say to those studying for the industry’s exams at universities, colleges and private centres across the UK.

The move is also expected to engender a wider debate about the future of journalism training and education.

Students at the 42 centres where the NCTJ accredits courses were invited to elect a representative to attend the inaugural Student Council meeting. It was hosted by the on February 15, 2008, and 22 representatives attended. They provided feedback on the industry’s training scheme and discussed future employment trends with editors and representatives from the NCTJ.

The move acknowledges students, alongside editors, training providers and many others, as stakeholders in the development of NCTJ qualifications. With many students paying thousands of pounds to fund training, it’s only right that we provide a forum for them to let Venue: the Manchester Evening News hosted the first NCTJ Student Council meeting us know what they think about the way we do things and how the quality of journalism training can be improved.

We will be acting on the many constructive ideas we received regarding exams, standards, league tables, courses of excellence, and the promotion of professional qualifications.

Four representatives of the Student Council were elected to present their views at the June 2008 meeting of the NCTJ board of directors. They were: Jennifer Cauley, of Glasgow Caledonian University; Richard Frost, of Liverpool Community College; Karl Holliland, of Harlow College; and Louise Steggals, of the University of Central Lancashire.

Elected: Karl Holliland, of Harlow College, represented his peers at the first Student Council meeting

20 National Council for the Training of Journalists Communications and events

Website eJournalism News James Morrison, PA tutor at Kingston University and NCTJ The NCTJ’s website is the first This monthly electronic newsletter examiner for this subject, has been point of contact for a growing continues to be popular with working on a new PA book this year. number of people. recipients. It keeps them abreast of Public Affairs for Journalists is set to developments at the NCTJ, invites be essential reading in this subject, Sections of the website have readers to upcoming events and been enhanced and new pages and is due to be published in has useful information about February 2009. introduced, including a deadlines. This year, a tailor-made Resources page which features eJournalism News for Centres was Distance learning the new Video journalism for introduced – a quarterly edition Websites DVD (see page six for presenting information specifically Following the updated and more information on this). of interest to centres offering an relaunched Foundation Course in accredited course. News Reporting distance learning A new ‘Work with the NCTJ’ section programme in 2007, 185 people has been created, where we can Publications registered for this distance learning display details of any jobs that may course in 2007-8. This is up from 71 be being advertised at the NCTJ. in 2006-7. We can also use this page to ask for volunteers to help us with our Short courses ongoing work, in which we are well supported by the industry – A programme of short open courses marking, helping at accreditation is available each year. Bespoke in- visits and on exam days. house courses are also available and are a popular and flexible A web statistics counter has also alternative. To assist those about to been set up, so we can monitor how sit the NCE, we also specialise in people are using the website and refresher courses. we can use this information to better shape it to meet their needs. We not only train journalists but anyone who needs journalistic We are planning to revamp the skills. We cater for three key website in 2008-9, allowing a login sectors: journalists; those who work facility for students and tutors. The with journalists; and those who are website will be made more required to write or edit at work but interactive and user-friendly. who lack journalistic training.

Events Th e NCTJ continues to organise a centres were kept abreast of changes London. A number of forums were number of workshops, seminars and to the news writing programme of also held for different sectors – higher forums focusing on different areas of study, which now requires candidates education, undergraduate and skill, to ensure we are working closely to consider different publishing postgraduate, private providers - with our stakeholders and consulting platforms when reporting news where issues relevant to those with them regularly. stories. The workshops – one in the specific environments could be north and one in the south of England discussed. Marking workshops are held twice a – were attended by representatives Tying in with the revamped distance year for each subject area, to ensure from the majority of our centres. examiners marking NCTJ learning programme, the NCTJ ran examination scripts are doing so to a Our seminars for media law, public two series of refresher workshops high and consistent standard. affairs and shorthand continue to to help distance learners and gain positive responses from others prepare and refresh their Two modernised news writing attendees and this year, the knowledge before sitting the workshops were held throughout the shorthand seminar was hosted for preliminary Certificate in Journalism year, to ensure all NCTJ-accredited the first time by Bloomberg in exams.

Annual Report 2007-2008 21 Business and finance review

Resources Investment powers, three years, and, in exceptional cir - cumstance, another three years. The net incoming resources of policy and the group amounted to £51,271 (2006-7: £66,502) which, together performance Charitable with net realised and unrealised Under the memorandum and arti - contribution losses on investments amounting cles of association, the NCTJ has During the year NCTJ Training Ltd to £8,949 (2006-7 £10,324) pro - the power to make investments in duced a total movement of funds made a charitable donation under such securities, property and other deed of covenant of £88,996 (2006- of £42,322 surplus (2006-7: investments as the directors see fit. £78,227 surplus). The consoli - 7: £67,178) to its holding company, The National Council for the Train - dated surplus for the year exclu - The portfolio is invested with the ad - sive of the Journalism Diversity ing of Journalists, a registered char - vice of Rensburg Sheppards Invest - ity (No: 1026685). Fund was £54,294 (2006-7: ment Management Limited and the £6,981), £63,243 prior to adjust - directors are satisfied with its overall ments for movements in the value performance. Reserves of investments. It is the aim of the directors to gen - Structure and erate surpluses sufficient to main - This satisfactory outcome was tain a level of resources, which in mainly due to the overall stability of governance the opinion of the board is com - the revenue streams. The National Council for the Train - mensurate with the identified needs ing of Journalist is a registered char - of the NCTJ. The Council continued to invest in ity. The training activities of the technology, communications and group are carried out by NCTJ The principal funding sources are: qualifications development. New Training Ltd, a wholly-owned donations from per capita mem - qualifications for sports journalists subsidiary. bers; income from registrations, were introduced. Online and video pre-entry fees and examination journalism assessments were inte - New directors are recommended fees; sales of publications; short grated into print journalism qualifica - and appointed by the directors. The courses; distance learning pack - tions. The National Vocational number of directors is not subject to ages and training materials; ac - Qualification and NCTJ training any maximum but is not less than creditation fees; donations to the schemes were merged successfully. three. A director’s term of office is Journalism Diversity Fund; and three years, renewable for a further investment income. The industry charitable fund, the Journalism Diversity Fund, fosters Statement of accounts 2007-8 2006-7 greater diversity in the newsroom by promoting careers in journalism Incoming resources £979,568 £902,608 and awarding bursaries to those Expenditure £928,297 £836,105 from minority ethnic and social communities without the financial Operating surplus for the year £51,271 £67,904 means to attend NCTJ pre-entry Consisting of: courses. Managed and adminis - Restricted fund (£11,972) £60,923 tered by the NCTJ as a “restricted Trading surplus £63,243 £6,981 fund”, donations of £81,000 and £25,000 were received from the Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2008 Newspaper Licensing Agency and Tangible fixed assets £558,332 £548,129 Scott Trust respectively in 2008. Investments £207,927 £216,876 The directors consider the state of Current assets £364,094 £352,703 affairs of the company and group to be satisfactory. Current liabilities £145,211 £174,887 Net current assets £218,883 £177,816 Net assets £985,142 £942,820

22 National Council for the Training of Journalists Working for the NCTJ

NCTJ staff: NCTJ Directors:

Joanne Aitchison, examinations manager Kim Fletcher, chairman Jan Alder, PA to chief executive and short courses Liz Page, vice chairman manager Joanne Butcher, chief executive Joanne Butcher, chief executive Brien Beharrell Stephen Chambers, head of accreditation Sue Campbell Chris Dunham, finance and IT manager Edmund Curran Lisa Edmonds, examinations controller Chris Elliott Emma Harpley, communications manager John Fry Shevon Houston, events, training and diversity Jan Lever administrator Donald Martin Lyn Jones, qualifications manager Alison Moore Jessamy Rapkin, examinations controller Steve Panter Beverley Rhodes, examinations controller Alan Qualtrough Bob Satchwell Malcolm Vickers

Priorities for 2008-9

The six priority areas agreed by the board of directors for action for the year ahead are to: Awarding body:

Ensure there is a supply of high quality qualified Amanda Ball, principal examiner and chief new entrants for multi-media newsrooms; examiner, public affairs Lloyd Bracey, chief examiner, online journalism Develop the NCTJ’s ‘gold standard’ for journalism Marie Cartwright, chief examiner, shorthand qualifications and promote excellence; Sean Dooley, chairman of the quality assurance Diversify the reach of the NCTJ into non-core and standards committee areas and markets; Cathy Duncan, chief examiner, sub-editing Dave King, chief examiner, sport Communicate and promote effectively and Mark Hanna, chief examiner, media law enhance our profile; Donald Martin, chairman of the journalism qualifications board Promote careers in journalism and take action to Steve Nelson, chief examiner, newspaper achieve greater diversity in the newsroom. journalism Review the strategic, operational and financial Steve Phillips, chief examiner, press photography structure of the NCTJ and photo-journalism

NCTJ’s Mission To be recognised inside and outside demands of the 21st Century. which guarantee the skills needed in the media industry as the primary the workplace body for developing qualified Objectives journalists. • Foster continuing professional To achieve our purpose we will: development for journalists Purpose • Accredit education and training throughout their careers To provide a world-class education providers and recognise courses of • Provide services and products that and training system that develops excellence are demonstrably helpful and current and future journalists for the • Offer outstanding qualifications relevant to our customers

Annual Report 2007-2008 23 National Council for the Training of Journalists

The New Granary Station Road Newport Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3PL Tel: 01799 544014 Fax: 01799 544015 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nctj.com

National Council for the Training of Journalists