NCTJ appoints new head of awarding

An experienced qualifications and education professional is to succeed Rachel Manby as head of awarding at the NCTJ.

Naomi Rowe, formerly a senior manager for OCR, part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUPA), joined the NCTJ team yesterday (Monday, 1 July).

She said: “I am really excited to get started with this role.

“I will be working to oversee the exacting assessments for the NCTJ’s qualifications and apprenticeships, which provide firm foundations for people to kick start their careers in journalism and help them progress into senior and leadership roles.”

Rachel Manby

Rachel Manby, who has worked at the NCTJ since March 2017 and relocated last year to North Yorkshire, will handover to Naomi over the coming days before leaving on Thursday, 4 July to take on a role at Kaplan working on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Rachel who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the NCTJ over the years.

“Her work pioneering the use of proctoring technology in our assessments so that our learners could complete their qualifications during the pandemic was remarkable.

“We wish her all the best for the future.”

Rachel said: “I am very sad to be leaving after just over seven years, but I know Naomi is a great candidate to take the reins going forward.”

Naomi initially joined OCR as a qualifications team manager in 2012, before rising through the ranks over more than a decade and taking on senior management roles in assessment standards.

Before this, Naomi had achieved a science degree and teaching qualification and been a science teacher for four years. She also worked for the National Foundation for Educational Research as a research manager.

Naomi completed an executive MBA at Cranfield University in 2021 and a Master of Education (MEd) from the Open University in 2011.

Joanne added: “I am delighted to welcome Naomi to the NCTJ to manage the development of our awarding organisation.

“NCTJ qualifications are the benchmark for quality, trusted journalism and diversity, and Naomi’s passion, experience and skills made her the perfect choice to uphold our progressive, flexible, and inclusive framework of journalism qualifications and apprenticeships.”