Telegraph Group editorial director Kim Fletcher has been appointed chairman of the board of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Regional press journalists Terry Manners and Liz Page, of the Western Daily Press and York Evening Press, join Society of Editors director Bob Satchwell and Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger as directors.

The appointments have been made as a result of a major review of the NCTJ to help it meet the changing needs of journalists and the media industry.

Kim Fletcher started his journalism career at The Star, Sheffield, where he gained his NCTJ qualifications. He worked for The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph and edited The Independent on Sunday.

He said: "I hope that I can play my part in developing its vital role in promoting the highest standards of journalism among new generations coming into the industry."

Western Daily Press editor Terry Manners was formerly editor-in-chief of Express Newspapers and associate editor of the Press Association.

He said: "I really want to just play my part in filling youngsters with enthusiasm for the industry. I want them to know the job is hard, but it is fun, too, and they have to have a wide vision and knowledge of the jobs that are available and every part of the newsroom."

Liz Page, managing director of Newsquest (York), which publishes the Evening Press, Gazette and Herald, thisisyork.co.uk and several niche publications, was previously editor of the Evening Press.

She said: "Newsquest is committed to journalistic excellence and our relationship with the NCTJ is already strong. I am delighted to join the board as it prepares to meet the challenges of the future."

Alan Rusbridger began his journalism career at the Cambridge Evening News, where he gained his NCTJ qualifications.

He said: "The training of journalists has never been a more important issue than it is today and I'm looking forward to playing a role in continuing the excellent work of the NCTJ."

Bob Satchwell, an award-winning journalist and former editor of the Cambridge Evening News, said: "Training is the key to the future and the NCTJ must set the standards for the industry. I look forward to helping take the NCTJ forward along the lines agreed in the organisation's impressive new strategy."

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