Jackie Deering, the voice of NCTJ shorthand exams, retires
A former shorthand tutor who became the voice of NCTJ shorthand exams has retired.
A former shorthand tutor who became the voice of NCTJ shorthand exams has retired.
NCTJ students past and present will be familiar with the voice of Jackie Deering, who has read the shorthand exam pieces since 2016, when the NCTJ introduced recorded audio exams.
Jackie, who previously taught shorthand at Harlow College, has also recorded news report speeches for National Qualification in Journalism exams.
She said: “I was very pleased to be part of the ‘evolution’ of the audio exams and videoing of the NQJ speeches, and I really enjoyed it.
“It also gave me an opportunity to revisit Harlow College three times a year to use their TV facilities and expertise, and see some of my ex-colleagues, which was always enjoyable.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as ‘the voice of the NCTJ shorthand exams’ but it’s time to hand over to a new voice.”
Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, praised the contribution Jackie has made to the exams. She said: “We are very grateful for Jackie’s service and for the professional input she has had in shorthand exams.
“Her consistency over more than three years as shorthand reader has been exemplary. Her professionalism ensured an easy transition to audio exams and she never missed a deadline.
“We also very much appreciate Jackie’s help over the years in relation to the NQJ news report speeches.”
NCTJ shorthand exams have continued to be modernised since audio recordings began being used in 2016.
In September 2018 handwritten transcripts were replaced by typed transcripts, and since September 2019 all shorthand exams have taken place on the NCTJ’s online Cirrus assessment platform.
The move to online shorthand exams forms part of the NCTJ’s process of eliminating all paper-based assessments.
