Regional press photographer Steve Phillips is the new chairman of a leading training body’s photography board.

Steve, group picture editor of Swansea daily the South Wales Evening Post, takes over from Peter Dash at the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

He also takes on the role of chief examiner of the NCTJ’s photography qualifications while Peter will remain a member of the board.

Steve has been an active member of the photography board for four years and has helped to lead the development of video journalism training.

In his new role as chairman, he will continue to steer the NCTJ through further changes and developments in its accredited qualifications.

Steve said: “It is a great honour to be asked to chair the NCTJ’s photography board.

“Peter Dash has done a tremendous job over a long period as chairman in constantly modernising the syllabus and exams for trainee press photographers and photojournalists and I have learned a tremendous amount from him.”

As chairman, Steve is particularly looking forward to implementing exams in video for press photographers.

“The demand for video on newspaper websites is growing rapidly and the next generation of press photographers must be able to produce first class still images and creative video for their publications,” he added.

Before joining the Evening Post, Steve was chief photographer at the South Wales Argus and deputy picture editor of the South Wales Echo during a career spanning 20 years in the regional press.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “Steve Phillips is the perfect person to take over the reins from Peter Dash, who has served us so well over many years.

“Steve is not only a brilliant photographer, picture editor, examiner and trainer, but he has lots of new ideas and great leadership qualities to bring to the board.”

The NCTJ photography board also has three other new additions to its ranks – Nottingham-based freelancer Robert Rathbone, The Times picture editor Paul Sanders and Dean Kedward, picture editor of The News, Portsmouth.

Each journalism subject area has its own NCTJ exam board. Members, who work in the industry and have extensive experience, advise the NCTJ on syllabuses, exams and awards specific to that subject area.