NCTJ launches new qualification for newsroom managers and leaders
For generations, NCTJ qualifications for journalists came to an end once a reporter had achieved their all important ‘seniors.’
In recent years, the organisation has sought to find ways to support journalists keen to continue to develop their skills throughout their career.
And now the body is launching a higher-level qualification for newsroom leaders and managers.
Created by journalists for journalists, the NCTJ Level 7 Leadership and Management for Journalists qualification is designed for editorial leaders in the early stages of their management career so they can manage and develop their teams effectively within the unique demands of a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
The qualification was developed following a wide-ranging industry consultation in which employers identified the need for professional development at this level.
The content is tailored to meet the needs of aspiring or early-career editorial managers in a leadership role and is ideal for anyone who wants to develop their skills and excel in an editorial management position.
The qualification can be studied independently by distance learning via the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy. It can also be offered by approved training providers or as an in-company, bespoke training scheme. It may be suitable to be studied alongside a leadership and management apprenticeship.
Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “We are so pleased to launch this landmark qualification, which will be particularly beneficial to emerging talent who are likely to become the senior leaders of the future and who will play an important role in securing a sustainable future for journalism.
“The qualification can be delivered in a variety of ways to meet the needs of different types of learners. It also forms part of our goal to take direct action on equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting as many leaders as possible to excel whatever their background and circumstances.”
The distance learning course will be delivered on the NCTJ’s e-learning platform. This provides an opportunity for busy leaders to access the qualification remotely, meaning they can study in their own time, work at their own pace before and apply their learning immediately in the workplace.
For these learners, there is also an opportunity to join the new leadership mentoring scheme which partners individuals with an editorial leader to guide them as they study towards gaining the qualification.
Laura Adams, head of the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy, added: “We are delighted to add this leadership and management course to our ever-expanding portfolio of courses which are aimed at supporting editorial leaders.
“The industry is continually evolving and we believe the course content will equip managers to thrive in an exciting and demanding environment.”
Assessed via online exam and an e-portfolio of evidence, learners will study leadership and management skills — leading the team, operations, change management, strategy, creativity and innovation, workplace wellbeing, and communication — while applying their knowledge and understanding to real-world practical examples.
The qualification provides a progression route for journalists with the National Qualification in Journalism or those with sufficient industry experience.
The full qualification as a package via distance learning costs £999+VAT. Individual modules can be studied on their own, starting from £145+VAT.
Find out more about the leadership qualification here.
