Change and modernisation would be the key to developing the National Council for the Training of Journalists, according to its chairman, Kim Fletcher.

Kim, who is editorial director of the Telegraph Group, said a mix of new talent and continuity would make the most of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Completing his first year as chairman, he promised to expand the range of qualifications provided to meet the needs of all journalists.

Kim Fletcher

He told the annual general meeting: “After taking stock and setting new goals and objectives, we have a clear strategy to take the organisation forward and have wasted no time in taking action on our priorities.

“We have been putting in place new structural plans, developing our accreditation scheme, raising our profile and influence, modernising almost everything that we do and further developing our products and services.

“This year has seen the appointment of six new directors. This new talent together with the experience and continuity provided by the other remaining directors has resulted in a first class group of people who share a passion for developing our current and future journalists.”

He said he had been impressed by the hard work and enthusiasm of the staff of the NCTJ, and had enjoyed meeting journalists and teachers who are working so hard with young journalists, many of them on a voluntary basis.

Looking forward to the year ahead, he noted the NCTJ and its qualifications were set to receive formal recognition from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.