Brighton Journalist Works
The NCTJ has today (14 January 2016) acted to remove accreditation temporarily from courses at Brighton Journalist Works following the completion of investigations into issues of malpractice and maladministration related to the delivery of NCTJ examinations.
The NCTJ has today (14 January 2016) acted to remove accreditation temporarily from courses at Brighton Journalist Works following the completion of investigations into issues of malpractice and maladministration related to the delivery of NCTJ examinations.
Other sanctions have already been imposed on Brighton Journalist Works by the NCTJ following problems with the delivery of shorthand and public affairs exams run at the centre at the end of 2015. The company has been told to take action to change its exam procedures and policies.
The NCTJ’s board of directors has decided on temporary removal of accreditation because Brighton Journalist Works has failed to meet its obligations to meet the industry standard in the professional delivery of NCTJ exams.
Brighton Journalist Works has been given up to 45 days to remedy the default and to restore the NCTJ’s confidence in its ability to deliver exams to the required standard.
All students at the centre are being contacted directly by the NCTJ to be told of the decision.
Journalism students will be supported by the NCTJ until they complete their courses. Teaching at the centre will continue as normal. Exams will continue to be held at Brighton Journalist Works in the next few weeks, under the close supervision of NCTJ representatives.
NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “We have to make sure that all the courses accredited by the NCTJ maintain rigorous professional standards for the sake of all our students and their futures. The NCTJ has a duty to take action to maintain standards and we are very concerned and sorry that students have been affected.
“Brighton Journalist Works is co-operating with our investigations. The commitment the company has shown to making changes to exam operations, and the good relationship we have enjoyed with them for many years, makes me confident that this will be a temporary measure.”
The company’s progress towards meeting a series of objectives to restore confidence in the delivery of exams will be reviewed at the next meeting of the NCTJ board in early March.
