A long-standing shorthand tutor is stepping down as the NCTJ’s chief examiner and chairman of the shorthand board after ten years.

Sheffield College tutor Marie Cartwright will step down from her role with the NCTJ at the end of this academic year, although she will remain a member of the shorthand board.

At the NCTJ’s annual seminar, Marie, pictured left, was presented with flowers by NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher and thanked for her years of service.

Opening the seminar, Joanne paid tribute to Marie, who is also the author of Teeline Gold for Journalists, as an “amazing” chief examiner.

Said Joanne: “Marie is an exceptional talent, totally dedicated to journalism students and trainees, a loyal servant to the NCTJ and a pleasure to work with, an advocate and practitioner of fairness, consistency and high standards.

“She has led the modernisation of the NCTJ’s shorthand exams over the last 10 years.

“Marie has listened to the industry and listened to shorthand tutors, always taking a balanced view to improve our exam format and procedures.

“She has helped so many people master the skill of learning shorthand, not just her own students in Sheffield, but many others who have used her wonderful book, Teeline Gold Standard for Journalists.”

The seminar, held at De Morgan House in London, saw shorthand tutors exchange ideas on teaching techniques, motivating students and developing subject materials.

At the event, Kentish Gazette editor Leo Whitlock described shorthand tutors as the “unsung heroes of every newsroom” and said editors still looked for 100 words per minute shorthand in their journalists.