Murray Morse left the Cambridge Evening News after three-and-a-half years in April, saying he had taken the Iliffe-owned paper as far as he could.

His departure, which led to a vote of no confidence by staff, coincided with the return of his predecessor as editor, Colin Grant in an editorial director role.

Now he is joining the National Council for the Training of Journalists as editorial consultant, creating a senior level exam for sports reporters and developing the body's National Certificate Examination.

He will also write study programmes and assessment criteria as well as distance learning units.

Murray, who has almost 30 years of journalism experience, said: "I am very pleased to be working with the NCTJ on these exciting new projects and enhancing qualifications which are already recognised as the gold standard in journalism training.

"Skills needed in this competitive industry are fast evolving and the NCTJ is responding to that with these distance learning courses for sub-editors and sports reporters.

"The chance to gain a qualification in these areas will soon be even more accessible and I am sure students will welcome this."

Murray will also undertake a research project, investigating the skills required for media convergence.

The results of this report are due to be discussed at the Society of Editors conference in November and the NCTJ's journalism training conference in December.

Murray has worked in a variety of editorial roles for the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, South Wales Argus, Scottish News of the World, Edinburgh Evening News and TVS television in Southampton among others.

During his time as editor of the Cambridge Evening News, the paper won several awards including this year's Newspaper Society Scoop of the Year and Newspaper of the Year at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: "I am pleased to welcome Murray Morse to the NCTJ to work with us on our qualifications, training and research.

"Murray has proved himself to be a distinguished journalist and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre and wide-ranging experience joining our committed team."

Submitting Information

Click here to have your say on this story