Changes to preliminary and final exams run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists are being put in place following the appointment of two key staff.

John Dilley and Lyn Jones have joined the training organisation, which says it is ready to modernise the qualifications system.

John, a former editor of the Harborough Mail who has 20 years newspaper and magazine editorial experience, will spearhead changes in both the preliminary and final exams taken by the majority of the country's young journalists.

Lyn, a training and development professional, will drive forward Government recognition of the NCTJ by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

Possible changes include amalgamating the two preliminary journalism exams taken by students and adding a portfolio element to the assessment.

The speech exam in the final qualifying NCE will be modernised and some of the logbook portfolio key tasks undertaken by trainee reporters will be made more practical.

Chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “The NCTJ is widely recognised and respected as the benchmark for training and qualifications in the industry. But we must move forward and respond to editors’ needs.

“Fine tuning the assessment process will help raise the standard of journalism throughout the industry.

“And getting recognition from the QCA will not only introduce more rigorous and exacting procedures but also ensure future government funding for the courses around the country that are NCTJ accredited.”

John will start a consultation exercise this summer, talking to editors, trainees, students, colleges, universities and commercial providers.