Three long-serving directors of the National Council for the Training of Journalists have retired from their roles.

They stood down at the organisation’s annual general meeting, and were thanked by the chairman, Kim Fletcher, for setting it in “very firm foundations”.

Rodney Bennett-England has been a member of the board since 1966 and was four times chairman of the training organisation.

Chairman Kim Fletcher said: “He has been a tireless campaigner for journalism training and unstinting in his support for the NCTJ.

“The world of journalism has benefited enormously from his enthusiasm and dedication.

“Over the years, he has been involved in all aspects of the Council’s work, from editing the newsletter to chairing the shorthand board.”

Mike Woods originally joined the board as the Guild of Editors’ representative and also chaired the newspaper journalism board for almost a decade.

Most recently he supervised the introduction of the new logbooks, the biggest change to the National Certificate Examination in many years.

Kim said: “We are grateful to Mike for all his work for newspaper journalism training and qualifications.”

Christopher Dicks is credited with being the financial brains behind the NCTJ for many years.

He first came on board as chairman of the finance committee, representing the Newspaper Society.

Kim said: “He has charted the NCTJ through both stormy and calm waters.

“The strengths of the organisation today, particularly its firm financial footing, are due in no small part to Christopher’s outstanding skill, dedication and support.”

The directors now comprise Kim Fletcher, Peter Cole, Joanne Butcher, Terry Manners, Bob Norris, Liz Page, Jim Raeburn, Alan Rusbridger, John Ryan, Bob Satchwell, Bernie Saunders and Malcolm Vickers.

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