A former weekly newspaper editor has taken a new comms role with the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Franki Berry, who edited Newsquest’s form Archant weeklies in East London, has been unveiled as the NCTJ’s communications manager.

Franki, pictured, edited the Barking and Dagenham Post, East London Advertiser and Recorder series for 19 months before taking a six-month career break last November and moving to the Alps.

She will cover the NCTJ role from an expected start date of August, while current marketing and communications manager Emma Robinson goes on maternity leave for 12 months.

Franki, who came back to the UK in April, said: “I’m really excited to get started and stuck back in.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to work with a vibrant team and with such a crucial player in the journalism industry.”

Franki completed her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at Lambeth College and landed her first journalism job in 2016 as a trainee reporter on the Saffron Walden Reporter, gaining her National Qualification in Journalism in 2018.

She went on to become a digital reporter at the Travel Trade Gazette and chief reporter at Archant’s North London titles, before taking on her first editorship in East London in March 2021.

In her new role, Franki will work with Joanne Butcher, the NCTJ’s chief executive, and the senior team, to implement its marketing and communications strategy, as well as co-ordinating campaigns, managing events and championing the charity’s projects.

This includes promoting and increasing awareness of the Community News Project and the Journalism Diversity Fund.

Emma said: “We are delighted to welcome Franki to the NCTJ as our new communications manager.

“Franki brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of journalism, and I’m confident that the NCTJ’s communications activities and campaigns will be in a safe pair of hands while I am on maternity leave.

“It is great to see Franki’s passion and dedication to promoting the values of quality journalism and training.”