NCTJ announces new head of accreditation

The deputy editor of the Cambridge News and a former BBC editor has been appointed head of accreditation for the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

John Cary will take over the role in April and will be based at the NCTJ’s offices in Newport, Essex.

As head of accreditation, John will be responsible for managing the NCTJ’s relationships with universities, colleges and independent journalism training providers. He will also work with the industry and suppliers to implement a new continuing professional development scheme for journalists.

An NCTJ-trained alumnus, John began his career in the regional press with Eastern Counties Newspapers as a trainee, reporter and sub-editor.  He later worked as a sub-editor for the Daily Express and the Press Association.

His 20 year career at the BBC included deputy editor of Radio Four’s Today programme, and editor of the Simon Mayo show and Drive for Radio 5live.

John’s most recent role was as deputy editor of the award-winning Cambridge News. He is also a trustee of Press Relief, a charity fund associated with the newspaper.

Announcing the appointment, chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “With his extensive experience of newspaper and broadcast journalism, I am pleased that John Cary will be joining the NCTJ in this vital role.  As head of accreditation he will manage our crucial partnership with universities, colleges and independent providers as well as working with employers and journalists to promote high standards of journalism training.”

John said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to play a part in maintaining and enhancing the recognised industry standard for the training of journalists at a time of fast-moving change. The NCTJ’s role in setting and upholding standards has never mattered more.”