A tutor known to journalism students across the country as the voice of shorthand exams has retired.

Jackie Deering has read the shorthand exam pieces since 2016, when the National Council for the Training of Journalists introduced recorded audio exams.

Jackie, pictured, has also recorded news report speeches for National Qualification in Journalism exams.

She previously taught shorthand at Harlow College.

Jackie told the NCTJ: “I was very pleased to be part of the ‘evolution’ of the audio exams and videoing of the NQJ speeches, and I really enjoyed it.

“It also gave me an opportunity to revisit Harlow College three times a year to use their TV facilities and expertise, and see some of my ex-colleagues, which was always enjoyable.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as ‘the voice of the NCTJ shorthand exams’ but it’s time to hand over to a new voice.”

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, has paid tribute to Jackie work during the modernisation of the exam process.

She said: “We are very grateful for Jackie’s service and for the professional input she has had in shorthand exams.

“Her consistency over more than three years as shorthand reader has been exemplary. Her professionalism ensured an easy transition to audio exams and she never missed a deadline.

“We also very much appreciate Jackie’s help over the years in relation to the NQJ news report speeches.”

In September 2018 handwritten transcripts were replaced by typed transcripts in shorthand exams, and since September 2019 all tests have taken place on the NCTJ’s online Cirrus assessment platform.

The move to online shorthand exams forms part of the NCTJ’s process of eliminating all paper-based assessments.