Twitter will offer financial backing to help the training of journalists from diverse backgrounds.

The social media platform has been unveiled as the newest supporter of the Journalism Diversity Fund, administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

The JDF awards bursaries to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who do not have the financial means to access professional journalism training.

Since its launch in 2005, the JDF has supported more than 440 students through NCTJ-accredited courses.

Heather Bowen, Twitter’s senior partner manager for news, said: “Journalists play a critical role in our society and they are important to the conversation on Twitter.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the NCTJ’s impressive fund, proven to increase the number of diverse voices in UK newsrooms, and are committed in our belief that diversity and inclusion is key to serving the public conversation for all.”

Twitter becomes the ninth new supporter to come on board this year, bringing the fund’s total number of financial contributors to 23.

NCTJ diversity and inclusion co-ordinator Nikki Akinola, pictured, said: “The NCTJ’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart everything we do, and it’s fantastic to see support for the Journalism Diversity Fund continue to grow.

“We are excited to welcome Twitter on board and we very much look forward to a bright and invaluable partnership.”