An editorial chief will join the NCTJ to head up its training service for working journalists after her departure from a regional publisher was revealed.

The NCTJ has unveiled Laura Adams, director of content development at Archant, as head of its Journalism Skills Academy.

The announcement of Laura’s appointment was made just over an hour after her departure, along with that of company secretary and data protection officer Tara Cross, was revealed to Archant staff this morning by Vincent Boni.

Vincent, who is overseeing the integration project between the publisher and its new owner Newsquest, has also revealed Laura will take interim charge of the company’s Suffolk titles until 26 August while a successor is sought for Brad Jones, outgoing editor of the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star.

In her new NCTJ role, Laura will lead the development and growth of the JSA, which is supported by the Google News Initiative and delivers training activities including courses, refresher sessions and the NCTJ’s qualifications via an interactive distance learning programme.

The NCTJ says Laura will also contribute to the charity’s overall development strategy, as well as its financial and operational plans, as a member of the senior leadership team.

Laura, pictured, said: “I am delighted to be joining the NCTJ in this exciting new role as head of the Journalism Skills Academy.

“I am hugely passionate about training and the ongoing development of journalists and look forward to working with the team at the NCTJ and the industry to further develop quality standards across the board.”

Laura, who starts at the NCTJ in September, completed her NCTJ training at Cardiff University and her first journalism job in 2002 was trainee reporter at the Rhondda Leader.

She joined Archant in 2008 as deputy editor of the Ham & High and became editor of the Barking and Dagenham Post in 2010.

Since then, she has held editorial director roles before becoming director of content development in 2021.

Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest and an NCTJ trustee, said: “Although I’m sorry Laura is moving on, I think she is perfectly suited to this important position at the NCTJ.

“As a big supporter of the NCTJ and the Journalism Skills Academy, I look forward to working with Laura in her new role and wish her well in the next stage of her career.”

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher added: “I am thrilled Laura is to lead our skills academy with a clear mandate to accelerate growth in provision and impact.

“Laura will work with employers to develop the careers of their editorial teams as well as supporting freelance journalists and all those who need journalism skills training and development.

“With her knowledge and expertise, Laura will also strengthen the NCTJ’s senior management team while two members take career breaks for maternity leave.”

Tara has worked for Archant for nearly 14 years and will leave the company at the end of this month.

In Vincent’s memo to staff, which has been seen by HTFP, Tara said: “I have some fantastic memories of my time at Archant, and what has always been clear is the pride that people take both in their work and the products they work with and it has been an honour to be part of that.

“Thank you to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable and I wish you all the best with the future.”