National Council for the Training of Journalists

Annual Report 2005-2006

Contents

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2 Contents

3 Progress and priorities

4 Chairman’s report

5 Chief executive’s report

6 Changing times

7 Modern journalism qualifications

8 Preliminary certificate exams

9 National Certificate Examinations

10 NCE results autumn 2005

11 NCE results spring 2006

12 Accredited courses

13 Journalism Diversity Fund

14 Short courses and distance learning

15 Business review

16 Who’s who

Introduction The NCTJ is recognised inside and outside the media industry as the primary body for developing qualified journalists. During the year, the organisation has continued its mission to provide a world-class education and training scheme that develops current and future journalists for the demands of the 21

st century.

Our objectives are to:

• accredit education and training providers and recognise centres of excellence

• offer outstanding qualifications which guarantee the skills needed in the workplace

• foster continuing professional development for journalists throughout their careers

• provide services and products that are demonstrably helpful and relevant to our customers.

Some of the key results for 2006:

• 1,326 students attended NCTJ accredited courses at 36 centres and sat the preliminary examinations

• 3,415 shorthand examinations were sat by candidates at speeds from 80-130wpm

• 510 reporters and 25 press photographers and photo journalists sat the national certificate examinations

• 428 reporters and 15 photographers were registered

• Donations to the new Journalism Diversity Fund totalled £142,885

• 21 short courses were run during the year and there were 16 in-house training courses.

Priorities for the year ahead: The five priorities identified for action in 2007 are to:

• respond to the convergence of journalism skills and the media

• implement our updated accreditation scheme

• communicate effectively with our customers and stake-holders

• ensure the continuous improvement and development of our qualifications

• promote careers in journalism and take action to achieve greater diversity in the newsroom.

Progress and priorities

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Chairman’s report

After a huge amount of hard work by Joanne Butcher and her team, it was terrific news to learn that we had gained recognition from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The move will help secure the future funding of NCTJ qualifications, which will be accredited to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It was a complicated process and we had to meet exacting criteria and standards. Our success in doing so means employers and training providers can be sure of the high quality of all that we do. To cap a good year, we moved into our own home, a converted granary in Newport, near Saffron Walden in Essex. I was delighted by the enthusiasm of members of staff, most of whom elected to make the move from our rented accommodation in Harlow. Mark Austin of ITV News, an NCTJ proficiency certificate holder, kindly opened the building for us. Everyone who has visited The New Granary has been impressed. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes, as we keep abreast of developments in the media while maintaining the high standards upon which the NCTJ has built its reputation. As ever we are grateful not only for the enthusiasm, hard work and vision of the staff, but for the huge amount of help, advice and support that we gain from all areas of journalism and journalism training. We say farewell this year to four long-serving Directors of the NCTJ: Bob Norris, Jim Raeburn, John Ryan and Bernie Saunders. We will miss them all and hope that they will keep in touch as we move to our next stage of development. Kim Fletcher Chairman

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It’s been another busy year, with developments at the NCTJ symbolised by three key events: the end of Oxdown, that fictitious town familiar to generations of journalists from their NCTJ examinations; the achievement of recognition as a professional awarding body by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA); and our move to new headquarters in Essex. It was the first of those that gained the most coverage in the industry, the second that has the most important implications for our future and the third that has given the greatest pleasure to staff. Oxdown was created in the 1970’s as a fictitious community served by the weekly Oxdown Gazette. It was a newsworthy place and every journalist I know claims to remember the big story that happened the year he or she took the exam. But we felt the town and its paper gave too narrow a focus on a media world that is broadening day by day.

Chief executive’s report

Like the media industry we serve, 2006 has been another year of change and renewal for the NCTJ. A new home, formal recognition as a professional awarding body and the most radical changes to our qualifications for many years, have made this a momentous year in our history. Just like the media industry is adapting to the rapidly changing digital news industry, we have been working hard to modify our qualifications to embrace these changes. We are developing a much more flexible and broader range of qualifications that integrate a wider range of skills and media platforms. Our old newspaper journalism and handout exams are being replaced by news writing and a real-world reporting portfolio. We recognise that these changes are a major challenge to introduce for some of our centres; the old exams have been the routine for so many years. However, I am delighted that so many centres have embraced the change and more than 70 per cent are already offering the new exam and portfolio during this transitional year. We have introduced a new subbing qualification and again, I am heartened that this has been so well received by our centres as well as by the industry. The subbing pathway will soon be joined by certificates in on-line, video and sports journalism. And there’s even more going on behind the scenes. We have been listening, learning and changing. We have been modernising our operations and almost everything we do. We have a great responsibility to all our customers and stakeholders – employers, journalists, trainees, students and parents – to ensure we provide world-class qualifications and training opportunities. With all this progress under our belt this year we are well placed for further progress in 2007. We will be concentrating our efforts on convergence, collaborative working, accreditation, communications, qualifications, careers and diversity.

Despite challenging times, most of us agree that there has never been a better time to be a journalist. The media marketplace is offering an even wider range of opportunities. This sharpens the focus on our role and makes the demand for sound careers advice, top quality training, fair and transparent standards and professional vocational qualifications even greater. It also makes working together even more important and we have made a commitment to collaborate with the Broadcast Journalism Training Council on joint initiatives in the year ahead. We are indebted to everyone who shares our passion for high standards of journalism. We appreciate those who work with us to grow and develop our future new journalists, and train and retrain our journalists to serve the demands of our audiences and communities. We look forward to another exciting year ahead. Joanne Butcher Chief Executive

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Changing times

In June 2006, the NCTJ officially moved to its new premises in Newport, Saffron Walden ending a 14-year relationship with the Latton Bush Centre, Harlow. The relocation was a milestone in the NCTJ’s history and places the organisation in a strong position for further growth and development. Mark Austin, a former NCTJ student from Highbury College and now a recognised broadcaster, officially opened the building at an event attended by a wide variety of people within the journalism training industry. Along with this physical move, the NCTJ rebranded and said goodbye to the green logo, introducing a new garnet shade as its corporate colour. The new logo has brought with it a fresh and modern feel, and by working with marketing communications agency Vivado, the NCTJ has developed a professional and contemporary new look.

An important focus in 2006 has been improving communications. Laura Garbas, communications manager, has been working with staff and stakeholders to develop a new strategy. This is already reaping rewards. The new NCTJ website has proved more easy to navigate and more accessible for our customers. A new monthly enewsletter is sent out on the first Friday of each month to editors and centres alike, advising them of news, events and developments at the NCTJ. A new database is currently being developed to make contacting our audiences much easier. A variety of workshops and seminars take place throughout the year.

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Kim Fletcher, Joanne Butcher and Mark Austin at the opening of the NCTJ headquarters in Newport, Essex.

NEWS WRITING AND PORTFOLIO As part of our development strategy to modernise and update the structure and content of our qualifications, the NCTJ has launched its new News Writing examination and Portfolio which are replacing the Newspaper Journalism and Handout examinations. After wide consultation with editors, trainers and trainees, these new assessments were developed to ensure journalists’ essential core skills are delivered including practical ‘real-world’ reporting. We expect more than 900 candidates to sit the new exam and portfolio during the first year with all accredited courses delivering the new assessments from September 2007. News Writing and Portfolio will be taken by trainees on NCTJ accredited courses around the country although some will still sit Newspaper Journalism and Handout during this academic year while centres adjust their programmes to accommodate the new assessments. The new News Writing exam will test a trainee’s ability to write a clear, vigorous, accurate news story to a specified length and to deadline. The two-hour exam asks a trainee to produce a news story of between 275 and 325 words from material provided, two short stories of 70-80 words and 40-50 words and five follow-up ideas. The Portfolio will ensure that trainees are given the opportunity to gather news stories and experience ‘real-world’ reporting during their training. It will provide evidence of a range of reporting and writing skills gained and stories produced during work experience or whilst on course. When complete, the Portfolio will include ten news stories with original copy and explanatory cover sheets, and one 500-word feature. Trainees will be able use their Portfolio as a showcase for prospective employers.

SUBBING Trainee reporters now have the opportunity to broaden their skills base and improve their employability by opting to take an NCTJ preliminary certificate examination in sub-editing. The qualification has been introduced as an optional certificate to be offered by accredited course providers as a bolt-on subject to the reporter’s certificates. Passing an additional certificate in subbing will improve employability prospects and offer multi-skilled trainees to the industry. It is also aimed at trainee subs and reporters who sub on a regular basis. With employers recruiting unqualified subs from outside the industry and non-traditional routes, the subbing qualification offers a career pathway ensuring that essential core skills are tested. The preliminary certificate in sub-editing consists of a 90-minute exam and a design exercise: a page lead; a filler; listings; a page proof; and design. Exams will be held on a number of dates at various exam centres across the country. Around five to ten accredited courses are expected to offer the new subbing exam from during the current academic year. From summer 2007, trainees will also be able to take a new National Certificate Examination (NCE) for sub-editors, the equivalent to the NCE for reporters. To be eligible to sit the subbing NCE, candidates must submit a logbook and pass the preliminary sub-editing certificate as well as the other preliminary certificates for reporters.

Modern journalism qualifications

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This year more than 1500 candidates sat the NCTJ preliminary Certificates in Journalism. All trainees are required to achieve the core journalistic skills for newspaper or magazine journalism, or for press photography. The range of certificates available is growing and this year a new subbing pathway was introduced. Next year, the NCTJ will be offering an even wider range of qualifications with the introduction of new certificates in sports and online reporting. Newspaper journalism During 2005-2006 there were 1238 candidates. Students had to pass all seven subjects in Newspaper Journalism, Handout, Law part one (court reporting), Law part two (general reporting), Public Affairs part one (local government), Public Affairs part two (central government) and Shorthand at 100 wpm. Magazine journalism Last year there were 138 candidates. Students had to pass all six subjects in Handout, Law part two (general reporting), Public Affairs part two (central government), Subbing, Magazine Portfolio and Shorthand at 80 wpm. Press photography/photojournalism

Last year there were 36 candidates who were expected to pass all four subjects in General Photographic Knowledge, Newspaper Practice and Public Affairs, Law for Photographers and Caption Writing or News Writing. Law awards Two prizes of £250 are awarded for the best performances in the NCTJ preliminary law exams each year. Sarah Newstead, who studies at noSWeat Journalism Training, London, was recently awarded the Johnston Press Law part one prize. The Oxford University Press award for Law part two went to Kate Skelton of Nottingham Trent University.

Public affairs award Jonathan Haynes won the coveted award, sponsored by LG Communications, for the most outstanding result in the NCTJ Public Affairs part one examination on local government. Jonathan attended the reception to mark the opening of the NCTJ’s new headquarters in July 2006 and was presented with his award by Jayne Surman, chair of LG Communications. Jonathan studied the NCTJ preliminary examinations as part of an MA in print journalism at the University of Sheffield and passed the Public Affairs part one exam with a distinction and one of the highest exam marks ever recorded. Jonathan now works for the Press Association. Shorthand Shorthand continues to be recognised as a fundamental skill for journalists and is an integral part of NCTJ qualifications. The industry standard for shorthand is 100 wpm for newspaper reporters and 80 wpm for magazine reporters. During the last year a total of 1587 candidates sat the shorthand exam at 100 wpm and 638 passed. The NCTJ also recognises candidates’ achievements at lower and higher speeds on the preliminary examinations certificate and overall a total of 3415 candidates sat shorthand exams ranging from 80-130 wpm. Paula Thompson, who trained at Highbury College, Portsmouth, was awarded the Harry Butler award for 100wpm. It is presented annually for the best shorthand note and transcription at 100% accuracy at 100 words per minute. Paula is a trainee on the Southern Daily Echo. Hannah Russell, who trained at City College Brighton & Hove, was awarded the Cumbrian Newspapers’ Award for 110wpm. It is awarded each year for the best shorthand note and transcription at 100% accuracy at 110 or 120 words per minute. Hannah is a trainee on the Eastbourne Herald.

Preliminary certific

ate exams

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The NCE is the professional qualification designed to examine all-round competence in a range of fundamental journalism skills. There are four sections for the reporters’ NCE. Candidates have to complete all the prelims before being eligible to sit the exams in newspaper practice, news report, news interview and logbook. To attain a pass the candidate must achieve at least 50% in each of the four sections and 60% overall. The NCE for reporters is sat twice a year in April and October. During 2005/2006 a total of 511 candidates sat the NCE and 245 candidates gained their full certificate and achieved recognition as senior reporters.

The NCE for photographers is also sat twice a year, in May and November. The qualification is designed to examine all-round competence in a range of fundamental skills at a level appropriate to a newspaper photographer who has passed the appropriate preliminary examinations and completed the basic training, including completion of a Logbook. There are three parts to the exam - practical; portfolio and advance project and, as with the reporters’ NCE, candidates must achieve at least 50% in each of the three sections and 60% overall.

National Certific

ate Examinations

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Awards for reporters The TS Murray Award for the best performance overall in spring and autumn by a candidate employed by a Scottish newspaper, was presented to Alison Rennie of the Kirkintilloch Herald. November 2005 - Both the Society of Editors’ award for the best News Interview paper and the Esso award for the News Report section of the NCE for the November 2005 exams were awarded to Catherine Lofthouse of Bedfordshire Newspapers. The Ted Bottomley Award for Newspaper Practice was presented by The Midland News Association to Sarah Halls of the South London Guardian. The Newsquest award for the best Logbook was presented to Tim Ashton of the News Shopper, Kent. May 2006 - The Society of Editors’ award for News Interview went to Emma Wall of the Ross Parry Press Agency. The Ted Bottomley Award for Newspaper Practice went to Andrew Morrison of the Crewe Guardian and Tom Stirling of The Press, York received both the Esso Award for News Report and the Newsquest award for his logbook. Awards for photographers South Wales Argus Award for the Best Advance Project was awarded to Dominic Lipinski of the Nottingham Evening Post. Both the Fuji Award for the Best Portfolio and the Nikon Award for the Best Single Image were presented to Matthew Stewart of the Derby Evening Telegraph.

By Matthew Stewart, Best Single Image, November 2005

By Matthew Stewart, Best Portfolio, November 2005

REPORTERS Sian Alexander, Hull Daily Mail Timothy Ashton, News Shopper Stephen Bailey, Warrington Guardian Kevin Barnes, South London Guardian David Bartlett, Preston Citizen James Barton, Ackrill Media Group Elaine Bennett, St. Helens Reporter Gemma Berry, Keighley News Alex Blackwell, Harborough Mail Kara Bradley, Bromsgrove Standard James Brockett, Harrow Times Christopher Broom, The News, Portsmouth Rachael Bruce, Isle of Man Newspapers James Burton, Grimsby Telegraph Heather Butler, Blackpool Gazette Laura Button, Eastbourne Herald Clare Casey, Barnsley Chronicle Adam Civico, Barnsley Chronicle Catherine Collins, Northants Evening Telegraph Lucy Collins, North West Evening Mail Paul Collins, Lancaster Guardian Joanne Curran, Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette Joanna Davis, Andover Advertiser Margaret Davis, Kentish Times Newspapers Julia Davies, Crawley Observer Ian Dipple, Redditch Standard Paul Donovan, Grimsby Evening Telegraph Bethan Dorsett, Rochdale Observer Joseph Dyer, The West Briton Saxon East, South London Guardian Lynn Eccles, Batley News Jennifer Fleming, Falkirk Herald Tim Foreman, Gloucestershire Echo Rachel Foster, The West Briton Sarah Fouracre, Northants Evening Telegraph Sallie George, Scarborough Evening News Alasdair Gold, Herts & Essex Observer Kirsty Green, Walsall Advertiser Benjamin Guy, Northants Evening Telegraph Emma Hakier, Wakefield Express Sarah Halls, South London Guardian Kerry Hathway, Buckingham & Winslow Advertiser Group Peter Hawkins, Dorset Echo Clare Hayes, Weston & Somerset Mercury

Sophie Hazan, Yorkshire Post Jonpaul Hedge, Herald Express Matthew Hemley, Watford Observer Sally Henfield, Richmond & Twickenham Times Philip Hibble, Rugby Advertiser Natalie Hoodless, Barking & Dagenham Post Zoe Hussain, The Southern Daily Echo Rob Hustwayte, The Argus Sally-Anne Johnson, St Albans Observer Sarah Kelly, Ackrill Media Group Henry Killworth, Lincolnshire Echo Lyndsay Kohberg, News Guardian Ann Lee, Hackney Gazette Matthew Legg, West Cumberland Times & Star Marie Levy, Whitby Gazette Emma-Kate Lidbury, Oxford Mail Imogen Lillywhite, Slough Observer Catherine Lofthouse, Bedfordshire Newspapers Neil Macfarlane, Morpeth Herald Gregor McClenaghan, Reading Evening Post Nicholas McDermott, The Sentinel Neil McGrory, Cumbernauld News Katrina McKeever, Wilmslow Express Advertiser Michelle McKenna, Accrington Observer Janet Melrose, The Argus Edward Mezzetti, Oxford Mail Andrew Moores, Knutsford Guardian Rebecca Moran, Express & Echo, Exeter Kristoffer Mullin, Maidenhead Advertiser Natalie Murphy, Nottingham Evening Post Victoria Nicholls, Great Yarmouth & Waveney Advertiser Camilla Nolan, Nelson Leader David Old, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Peter Orchard, The Citizen, Gloucester Nicholas Owens, Lancashire Evening Post Timothy Paget, Mansfield Chad Robert Parsons, The Sentinel Julian Peck, Falkirk Herald Patrick Phelvin, Express & Echo, Exeter Robert Preece, Evening Herald, Plymouth Neil Preston, Grimsby Telegraph Francis Revel, News Shopper Danielle Robinson, Tameside Reporter Ben Rossington, Blackpool Gazette

Alex Scapens, Stockport Express Advertiser Sophie Seddon, Brighouse Echo Clare Semke, Stratford Herald Leah Shaw, Shields Gazette Kevin Shoesmith, Swindon Evening Advertiser Haroon Siddique, Highbury & Islington Express Lee Sobot, Ackrill Media Group Jenny Speak, Craven Herald Andrew Taylor, Lancashire Evening Telegraph Jeffrey Travis, The News, Portsmouth Emily Twinch, Daily Echo, Bournemouth Kirsty Urquhart, Helensburgh Advertiser Louise Vennells, Western Morning News Laura Vickers, Central Independent Newspapers Ltd Catherine Wallace, The Southern Daily Echo Jemma Walton, Wakefield Express Rachel Wareing, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Lucy Waterlow, Watford Observer Richard Watts, Hartlepool Mail Stephanie Weaver, Northants Evening Telegraph Miriam Wells, The Argus Victoria West, Hemel Hempstead Gazette Nicholas Whitten, Shields Gazette Dominic Wiggan, Burnley Express Matthew Wilkinson, Oxford Mail Kerry Wood, Northants Evening Telegraph Steven Wrelton, South London Guardian Brian Yule, Motherwell Times PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharon Aris, Staffordshire Newsletter Lindsey Dickings, North West Evening Mail Mark Fear, Worksop Guardian Paul Johns, Berks & Bucks Observer Dominic Lipinski, Nottingham Evening Post Kiyoshi Ota, News Team International Mark Pearson, Blackpool Gazette Cher Permaul, Gloucestershire Echo Alex Rumford, Derby Evening Telegraph Anne-Marie Sanderson, Enfield Gazette & Advertiser Matthew Short, Leicester Mercury

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NCE results autumn 2005

REPORTERS Michelle Archard, Brentwood Gazette Harri Aston, The Sentinel Anna Bailey, Basingstoke Gazette Simon Barrett, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Michael Beardmore, Central Independent Newspapers Gina Bebbington, Northwich Guardian Melissa Beck, Derby Evening Telegraph Hannah Benjamin, Ilford Recorder Lois Bishop, Chorley Guardian Anika Bourley, Northants Evening Telegraph Dominic Bowers, Chelmsford Weekly News Ellen Branagh, Redditch Advertiser Anna Brett, Braintree & Witham Times Gemma Briggs, North London Newspapers Alexander Brown, Northants Evening Telegraph Christopher Buratta, Oxford Mail Susan Carr, Tameside Advertiser Marissa Carruthers, Northumberland Gazette Mark Casci, Telegraph & Argus Andrew Chiles, The Argus Charles Chute, North West London Newspapers James Connell, Slough Observer Emma Cousins, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Sarah Crawley-Boevey, Maidenhead Advertiser Elizabeth Crowson, Leicester Mercury Jemma Dobson, Lancashire Evening Telegraph Jacqueline Dolan, Bedfordshire Newspapers Sion Donovan, The News, Portsmouth Glenn Ebrey, News Shopper Daniel Evans, Grimsby Telegraph Nicola Fenn, Evening Echo Newspapers, Basildon Ewan Fergus, Greenock Telegraph Alexandra Galbinski, Hendon Times Group Richard Gladstone, Hastings & St. Leonards Observer Ryan Goad, Thurrock Gazette Emma Goodfellow, Packet Newspapers Joanne Hall, Grantham Journal Alexander Hamilton, Aldershot News Ellie Hargreaves, Westmorland Gazette Dale Haslam, Hull Daily Mail Emily Hassall, Watford Observer Jennifer Haworth, The News, Portsmouth Thomas Hay, Wetherby News John Hill, Hastings & St. Leonards Observer Jolene Hill, Reading Chronicle Daniel Hodges, Nottingham Evening Post Lindsay Holder, Malvern Gazette

Sarah Radford, Newbury Weekly News Emma Rees, Lynn News Carl Roache, Lichfield Mercury Lynsey Roberts, Messenger Newspapers Roberto Rodriguez, Freelance Daniel Sanderson, Worthing Herald Melissa Shaw, Mansfield Chad Tom Shepherd, Wiltshire & Gloucester Standard Leanne Simons, Grantham Journal Philip Skelton, Woking News & Mail Charlotte Spratt, The Citizen, Gloucester Peter Stebbings, Hendon Times Group Tom Stirling, The Press, York Robin Stocks, Blackpool Gazette Laura Sturrock, Milngavie & Bearsden Herald Jennifer Sugden, Telegraph & Argus James Tanfield, Harlow Star Anna Temple, Lincolnshire Echo Peter Tennick, Hartlepool Mail Edward Thomas, Carmarthen Journal James Tout, Herts & Essex Observer Jenna Towler, Bucks Free Press Victoria Vaughan, Maidenhead Advertiser Donna Veasey, Braintree & Witham Times Philip Vinter, Oxford Mail Clare Wall, Isle of Wight County Press Emma Wall, Ross Parry Press Agency Matthew Ward , Bury Free Press Murray Wardrop, Basingstoke Gazette Joseph Watts, Nottingham Evening Post Amy Wilson, Scarborough Evening News Lisa Woodhouse, Stockport Express Advertiser Andrew Wragg, Central Independent Newspapers Lyndsey Wright, Hexham Courant PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Clelland, Irvine Times Jade Gardner, Rochdale Observer John Paul Jenkins, Lincolnshire Echo Graham Schofield, Ackrill Media Group Mariana Teixeira, Lincolnshire Echo

Ruth Holmes, St Albans Observer Benjamin Holt, Halifax Evening Courier Jonathan Howell, Hull Daily Mail Nicola Hudson, Aldershot News Jack Hunter, Weston & Somerset Mercury John Hyde, Colchester Evening Gazette James Johnston, Middlesbrough Evening Gazette Laura Johnston, Cambridge Evening News Alexander Kalinik, Basingstoke Gazette Kelly-Ann Kiernan, Welwyn & Hatfield Times Tony Kirby, Wigan Evening Post Nick Lakeman, Widnes & Runcorn World Sarah Larch, Newbury Weekly News Joshua Layton, Leamington Spa Courier Paul Leat, Bucks Free Press Siobhan Lismore, South London Guardian Christina Lloyd, Epworth Bells Richard Long, Lincolnshire Free Press Simon Lyle, Newbury Weekly News Ruth Lythe, Westmorland Gazette Estelle Marais, Richmond & Twickenham Times David Marley, Nottingham Evening Post Gary Martin, Hartlepool Mail Elaine Maslin, Bury Free Press Barry McCarthy, North West Evening Mail Margaret McDonnell, Newbury Weekly News Alexander Melvin, Harrow Times Claire Metcalfe, Gazette & Herald Rosalind Miles, Oxford Mail Andrew Milford, Aldershot News Margaret Millar-Deas, East Fife Mail Saima Mir, Telegraph & Argus Stephen Moore, Hornsey Journal Andrew Morrison, Crewe Guardian Kate Morrison, The Argus Alexandra Mott, Cambridge Evening News James Newall, Lincolnshire Echo Lisa Nightingale, Shields Gazette Vicky O’Hare, Basingstoke Gazette Daniel Orr, Grantham Journal Satwant Pandher, Gatwick & Horley Life Benjamin Parsons, North West Evening Mail Emily Parsons, Essex Chronicle Helen Paterson, Midlothian Advertiser Kala Paul-Worika, Freelance Elizabeth Perkins, South Wales Evening Post Alexis Price, Macclesfield Express Advertiser

NCE results spring 2006

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Accredited courses

BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism BRUNEL UNIVERSITY MA Journalism CARDIFF UNIVERSITY PgDip in Newspaper Journalism CARDONALD COLLEGE HND in Journalism Studies Day Release – Newspaper Journalism CITY COLLEGE BRIGHTON & HOVE Fast-track PgDip in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track PgDip in Magazine Journalism One year part-time in Newspaper Journalism One year part-time in Magazine Journalism CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Day Release – Newspaper Journalism CORNWALL COLLEGE CAMBORNE Foundation Degree in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track course in Newspaper Journalism CUMBRIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS BA (Hons) Journalism DARLINGTON COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY Fast-track course in Newspaper Journalism Block release in Newspaper Journalism

DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY PgDip Newspaper Journalism EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism HARLOW COLLEGE Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism PG in Magazine Journalism PG in Newspaper Journalism HIGHBURY COLLEGE Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism One year part-time in Newspaper Journalism Block release in Newspaper Journalism LAMBETH COLLEGE PG fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Foundation Degree in Journalism LEEDS TRINITY & ALL SAINTS MA/PgDip in Print Journalism LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE Fast-track PgDip in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track PgDip in Magazine Journalism Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Day Release – Newspaper Journalism LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism MIDLAND NEWS ASSOCIATION Midland News Association Training Scheme NEWS ASSOCIATES / SPORTSBEAT Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Part-time course in Newspaper Journalism NOSWEAT JOURNALISM TRAINING Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Part-time course in Newspaper Journalism NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Part-time course in Newspaper Journalism PRESS ASSOCIATION TRAINING CENTRE Editorial Foundation Course in Newspaper Journalism

SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR JOURNALISM STUDIES PgDip/MLitt in Journalism Studies SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, NORTON Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Academic year course in Press photography Academic year course in Photo Journalism PG fast-track in Newspaper Journalism 12-week block release in Newspaper Journalism 12-week block release in Press photography SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY BA (Hons) Journalism SUTTON COLDFIELD COLLEGE Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON BA (Hons) Sport Journalism UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE BA (Hons) Journalism PgDip/MA in Newspaper Journalism MA in Magazine Journalism UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH BA Journalism (combined honours) UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD BA Journalism (combined honours) UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD BA Journalism (single & combined honours) MA in Newspaper Journalism UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE BA (Hons) Journalism & Creative Writing UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND BA (Hons) Journalism MA/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER AT COLERAINE MA/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism WEST KENT COLLEGE Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism

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SETTING HIGH INDUSTRY STANDARDS In order for students to acquire the fundamental journalism skills required to get a head start in their careers and to gain our preliminary certificates that editors look for, the NCTJ is committed to working in partnership with the best colleges and universities, and commercial and in-house training centres. We currently accredit more than 60 courses at 38 centres; they all have to develop practical journalism training that delivers real, measurable results. This year, under the leadership of Chris Elliott, managing editor of The Guardian, a group of editors and trainers have been reviewing our accreditation scheme. Our new, even more exacting standards will be introduced next year.

Journalism Diversity Fund

Following a successful pilot year for the Journalism Diversity Fund in 2005-2006, six bursaries were awarded. The Newspaper Licensing Agency has pledged a further £100,000 for 2006-2007. Through a more extensive advertising campaign, the fund will be offering three application dates over the next 12 months which will provide more opportunities for people to apply. Thanks to the NLA and other cash contributions from publishing companies including Associated Newspapers, Guardian News & Media, News International and Pearson, the fund will be able to help even more people to develop their skills on NCTJ accredited courses. Recipients of the 2005/2006 bursaries include 34-year-old Ken Okona-Mensah. Ken (pictured right), who is studying at noSWeat Journalism Training Centre in London thanks to the JDF, was working as a scientific writer for Imperial College when he applied. Born and educated in London, Ken’s background is within science and in 1999 he entered the Daily Telegraph Young Science Writers competition, receiving a highly commended certificate for his efforts.

Martin Stevenson, Managing Director of the NLA “As an organisation representing newspaper publishers, we understand the need for our national newspapers to reflect the views and makeup of our multicultural society. Ethnic minorities are under-represented in journalism.

“The Journalism Diversity Fund gives those wishing to enter journalism the training and head start they would not otherwise have. We are proud to be associated with this initiative and have donated £200,000 to the fund, since its inception.” Emily Metcalf, bursary recipient “The idea of being heavily in debt when I got a job would have been scary, and I’m not even sure that I would have got the extra loan I needed. There is therefore no guarantee that I could have done the course at all without the fund’s support. It can really help those who don’t come from well-off families.”

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Short course & distance learning

DISTANCE LEARNING The NCTJ’s distance learning courses have always been popular with trainee journalists who enjoy the flexibility of combining their training with learning on-the-job. With more and more considering a career in journalism but not being able to give up their current full-time jobs, the distance learning courses are increasingly in demand. The Foundation Course in Newspaper Journalism (NJDL) is currently being updated. Available from January 2007, the new programme will be presented on CD Rom, and will be accompanied by recommended textbooks and optional seminars. Aimed at those who want to become qualified newspaper journalists but are unable to give up full-time employment or commit to full-time study, the course is ideal for those who want to go on to take their preliminary certificates in journalism and the NCE. Similarly, the Writing for the Periodical Press and Basics of Sub-editing courses give those interested in these specific areas a taste of working within that particular area of journalism, as well as providing them with a basic knowledge of media law. With the entire course administered electronically, marked work is returned to students promptly by email, offering an efficient and professional service. Accredited by the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council, the NCTJ is also a member of the Association of British Correspondence Colleges. During 2005-2006, 286 students undertook distance learning courses.

SHORT COURSES The NCTJ runs a select number of practical, hands-on training courses covering the fundamentals of journalism and public relations. Courses run throughout the year and tutors are all experienced journalists and experts in their field. Twenty-one scheduled courses were run during the year. The most popular courses were Sharpening Your English and Media Law Update.

In addition to its own courses the NCTJ continues its long-standing association with Pulford Media who also deliver media-related training. In-house courses continue to be a popular alternative and can be tailor-made to specific requirements. Clients this year included Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Essex Police, the BBC and Amnesty International. Sixteen in-house courses ran during the year with the most popular subjects being English and writing skills, and media law. Refresher courses took place during the year for those due to sit the National Certificate Examination. The courses covered general tips, information about the exam and practical sessions with feedback during the course. Regarding an NCE refresher – “Very worthwhile and greatly improved my confidence.” Another said “It gave me a clearer understanding of how to tackle the exams.” Regarding a Sharpening Your Press Releases – “I found this course really interesting and I’m sure my press release work will improve due to attending this course.”

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Business review

The net incoming resources of the group amounted to £138,227 (2005: £84,085), which together with net realised and unrealised gains on investments amounting to £15,961 (2005: £19,389) produced a total movement of funds of £154,188 surplus (2005: £103,474 surplus). The consolidated surplus for the year, exclusive of the Journalism Diversity Fund, was £33,542. This satisfactory outcome was mainly due the overall stability of the revenue streams. The Council continued to invest in technology by commissioning a new database and further developing its website and accreditation of qualifications. The Council was recognised as a professional awarding body by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The NCTJ administered funding from the Sector Skills Development Agency for publishing skills related projects on behalf of the Publishing Skills Group. As expected, this interim arrangement has ceased now that formal links with Sector Skills Councils have been agreed. Any SSDA funding for projects will now be paid to Publishing Skills Group members via Skillset. An industry fund was established by the NCTJ to promote greater diversity in the newsroom by promoting careers in journalism and awarding bursaries to those from minority ethnic and social communities without the financial means to attend NCTJ pre-entry courses. Managed and administered by the NCTJ, the fund was launched with a lump sum of £100,000 from the Newspaper Licensing Agency. Additional contributions were received from four publishers. Six bursaries were awarded in September 2006 following a pilot exercise to establish fair and transparent awarding criteria. The directors consider the state of affairs of the company and group to be satisfactory. Investment Powers, Policy and Performance Under the memorandum and articles of association, the NCTJ has the power to make investments in such securities, property and other investments as the directors see fit. The portfolio is invested with the advice of Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Limited and the directors are satisfied with its overall performance.

Reserves It is the aim of the directors to generate surpluses sufficient to maintain a level of resources, which in the opinion of the Board is commensurate with the identified needs of the NCTJ. The principal funding sources are: donations from per capita members; income from registrations, pre-entry fees and examination fees; sales of publications and training materials; accreditation fees; government contract income; donations to the Journalism Diversity Fund; and investment income. Charitable Contribution During the year NCTJ Training Limited made a charitable donation under deed of covenant of £46,780 to its holding company, The National Council for the Training of Journalists, a registered charity.

National Council for the Training of Journalists summary of group financial activities for the year ended 30 June 2006

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2006 2005

£ £

Incoming resources 960,553 886,682

Expenditure 822,325 802,597

Operating surplus for the year Consisting of: Restricted fund Trading surplus

138,227

104,685 33,542

84,085

Tangible fixed assets 550,992 20,045

Investments 205,802 190,745

Current assets 304,794 699,990

Current liabilities 196,996 200,376

Net current assets 107,798 499,614

Net assets 864,592 710,404

Balance sheet as at 30 June 2006

Who’s who

Directors Kim Fletcher, chairman Joanne Butcher, chief executive Peter Cole, vice chairman Jan Lever Bob Norris Liz Page Jim Raeburn Alan Rusbridger John Ryan Bob Satchwell Bernie Saunders Malcolm Vickers Awarding body Amanda Ball, principal examiner and chief examiner, public affairs Marie Cartwright, chief examiner, shorthand Peter Dash, chief examiner, press photography and photo journalism Sean Dooley, chairman of the quality assurance and standards committee David Gledhill, chief examiner, newspaper journalism Mark Hanna, chief examiner, media law Pat Roberts Cairns, chief examiner, magazine journalism NCTJ staff Joanne Aitchison, senior examinations controller Jan Alder, PA to the chief executive and office manager Kathy Baldry, examinations controller Robin Bloomfield, examinations controller Joanne Butcher, chief executive Stephen Chambers, head of accreditations Nina Fox, training and diversity administrator Laura Garbas, communications manager Angela Hares, finance and IT manager Shirley Jepson, examinations controller Lyn Jones, qualifications manager Jessamy Rapkin, examinations controller Professional advisors Careers, Andy Bull Qualifications, Andy Bull and John Dilley Design agency, Vivado Website, Advanced Web Design Training courses, Fabian Acker and Pulford Media Research, Mark Spilsbury Awarding body regulations, The Talent Centre

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: info@nctj.com

Website: www.nctj.com

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