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Deputy editor to be new NCTJ accreditation chief

A regional daily deputy editor has been given the job of overseeing the work of journalism colleges as the new head of accreditation for the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

John Cary, deputy editor of the Cambridge News and a former deputy editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme will take over the role from next month.

Based at the NCTJ’s offices in Newport, Essex, John will be responsible for managing the NCTJ’s relationships with universities, colleges and independent journalism training providers.

He will also work with the industry to implement a new professional development scheme for journalists.

John, pictured above, began his career in the regional press with Eastern Counties Newspapers – now Archant – and later worked as a sub-editor for the Daily Express and the Press Association.

Before joining the Cambridge News, he spent 20 years at BBC including stints as deputy editor of Radio Four’s Today programme, and editor of the Simon Mayo show and Drive for Radio 5live.

Said John: “I am really excited about the opportunity to play a part in maintaining and enhancing the recognised industry standard for the training of journalists at a time of fast-moving change.

“The NCTJ’s role in setting and upholding standards has never mattered more.”

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “With his extensive experience of newspaper and broadcast journalism, I am pleased that John Cary will be joining the NCTJ in this vital role.

“As head of accreditation he will manage our crucial partnership with universities, colleges and independent providers as well as working with employers and journalists to promote high standards of journalism training.”